A Glimpse into Election Day in Van Wert, Ohio

van wert, ohio - Discover a unique perspective on Election Day in the small town of Van Wert, Ohio, where festive Halloween celebrations meet political differences.

I park the car and take a walk around the town center. Parents with children stroll past shops where staff stand at the door with buckets of candy. Some adults are also dressed up. I spot a Frankenstein, several ghostfaces, and a Superman who seems to frequent the gym in real life. There's also a policeman, but he turns out to be in uniform. He hands out stickers and long shoelaces.

In a barricaded street, parked cars have open trunks. This is called 'trunk or treat,' explains a man in a bear costume. The trunk is decorated and serves as a distribution point for treats. 'I was born and raised here,' says the man. 'We've been doing this since my childhood.'

I don't want to spoil the fun, but I still ask about the elections. 'Oh, I've already voted, so I'm done,' says the bear. The local polling station has been open for over a week. His duty as a voter is done. 'I've let it go,' the man laughs.

Not everyone in Van Wert feels the same way. In yards, several signs encourage Donald Trump, with an occasional display supporting Kamala Harris. This seems daring as Van Wert is considered a 'red place.'

Displaying political preferences doesn't always go smoothly, says a couple dressed as a witch and a Halloween ghoul. He mumbles something incomprehensible behind his mask, so I focus on her. She explains that people here know who each other are voting for, so they tend to avoid each other these days. Signs can sometimes disappear. 'Well, it's usually mischievous teenagers,' the witch knows. If all of America had the attitude of Van Wert, things would be just fine.