Politics is a privilege that not everyone across the world enjoys, with many people being killed trying to make their voice heard in fair elections. However, in developed countries, voting is a common practice, although some voters may feel jaded towards the process due to the performance of elected leaders. Photographer Ryan Donnell has captured some of the USA’s most unusual voting spots, showcasing places integral to local culture but far from the typical image of a polling station.
Some of the weirdest and coolest polling stations open for voting in the 2024 US election include Su Nueva Laundromat in Chicago, Illinois. This Laundromat offers a practical solution for local voters, with voting machines set up among the washers and dryers to ensure privacy. Pressure Billiards and Café in Chicago also serves as a polling station on election day, providing a relaxed and friendly space for voters to cast their ballots while enjoying the amenities of the café and billiards hall.
Story County’s one-room schoolhouse in Sherman Township, Iowa, a historical 130-year-old mini-school, now serves as a polling station for the community. Lawn Lanes, a Big Lebowski-style bowling alley in Chicago, has also been used as a polling site since 2020, providing a unique venue for voters to participate in democracy. The Mummers Parade museum in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Water Department laboratory also serve as polling stations, showcasing the city’s unique culture and history.
Saigon Maxim restaurant in Philadelphia’s Little Saigon neighborhood doubles as a local voting site, with a spacious stage used for weddings and community celebrations. Ray Lounsberry’s Tractor Barn in Nevada Township, Iowa, has been hosting voters in his farm garage for decades, with the amenable war veteran proud to serve his community. These unique polling stations offer voters a different experience while participating in the democratic process, adding a touch of excitement and interest to election day.
