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2011 Elections

McKee Place Fire Department Constable Steve Sortino watches over his polling location.

The Oakland resident has served as a constable for 12 years, and a committee man for eight years. He said he has lived in Oakland for most of his life and wants to see positive changes made, and that's why he votes and involves himself in the election process.

Sortino said he was disappointed in the day's turnout, having only about 30 voters by 3 p.m.

"If you care about what's going on in your city, in your neighborhood, you need to be out and voting," Sortino said. "It doesn't matter if you're student, it still affects you."

University of Pittsburgh junior Brian Dunleavy votes at votes at the fire department at Louisa St. and McKee Place.

Dunleavy said a voting recruiter got him excited about voting his freshman year, and he's valued voting ever since.

"People fought, and some still fight, for this right to vote," Dunleavy said. "So I can't think of any reason not to do it."

University of Pittsburgh political science junior Chris Quinn votes at the fire department at Louisa St. and McKee Place.

Quinn said he was encouraged to register his freshman year, and he's voted in every election since.

"It's really important to vote, and it's our duty to vote," Quinn said.

Judge of Elections Stella Gentile stand in front of her polling location at 16 Oakland Square.

Gentile owns the Oakland home and has hosted the election at her home for over 25 years, and she said she is one of few who still host the election in their homes.

"At other places, people sign in, vote and leave," Gentile said. "This is a warm, social atmosphere, and people don't just leave, they want to stay a little while."

Oakland resident Nancy Boyd, 87, votes at the fire department at Louisa St. and McKee Place.

Boyd has lived and voted in Oakland her entire life, only missing one election since she was 21 years old. She said no matter the issue or state of the economy, it's important that residents pay attention to local politics and vote.

"Oakland today is nothing like Oakland used to be, and it can be sad," Boyd said. "I vote because I care about this neighborhood."