First-time voters describe their excitement, sense of civic duty as they cast their ballots

AT THE ACALANES HIGH SCHOOL polling location in Lafayette, seniors ruled the day — whether they were casting a vote for the first time or the 50^th, older citizens and high school seniors alike turned out in droves.

Across the Bay Area, first-time voters cast their ballots for president, local elected officials, statewide ballot measures, propositions, and other items on the ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election. Voters decided between in-person voting, casting their ballot at a secure drop-off location, or mailing their ballot, marking a communal effort to engage with democracy.