Focal Point post-election show, Nov. 11

In this week’s episode of Focal Point, we have full coverage of the election aftermath. We talk to experts on how Donald Trump pulled off a big upset for president and we find out how many students are coping after rooting for a Clinton victory. Also, many protests have broken out across the country, including right here in East Lansing.

MSU professors break down election results

As the last states rolled in their final votes Wednesday morning, a mix of excitement and shock rippled through the country as Donald Trump became president-elect. 

Pollsters like M-S-U political science professor Matt Grossman predicted a lower turnout in certain parts of the country. “We were speculating turnout might be down because people disliked both candidates,” Grossmann said. “And that was true among African Americans and people in urban areas which was somewhat expected, but turned out to be bigger than we thought.” But many pollsters didn’t count what many are calling the ‘secret’ vote. 

“There was some real persuasion and turnout for whites with lower education who were in rural areas and came out to support Donald Trump, even though those same areas previously supported Barack Obama,” Grossmann said.  

Hillary supporters felt strongly about their chances of winning the election, but researchers say that many may not have been ready for a ‘Madame President’.

Churches fill gap on election day

LANSING — Some voters who would rather not darken the door of a church will be out of luck Nov. 8 in many communities. Places with a lot of people in a small area often can’t put all their voters in just one building, said Ed Golembiewski, chief deputy clerk and director of elections in Washtenaw County. So some city, township and county clerk offices find churches with enough space to accommodate voters. “I don’t know what we’d do without churches,” said Joan Runyan, elections coordinator in Livingston County.

What’s the harm in a ballot selfie?

LANSING – Pics or it didn’t happen

That’s a phrase many millennials have come to live by in the age of smartphones, social media and selfies. But when it comes to casting your ballot, Michigan law doesn’t quite agree. Regardless of where or when you’re voting, documenting your ballot with a photo is against state law. That hasn’t deterred some voters from snapping and sharing ballot selfies, unintentionally breaking the law, said Rep. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, who has sought to repeal the restriction. According to a recent report by the Associated Press, 21 states and Washington, D.C., allow ballot selfies, while 16 states prohibit them with the threat of fines and even jail time.