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Slideshow: On this Election Day, here’s why Texans say they’re voting

The Texas Tribune is talking to voters across Texas on Election Day about their favorite candidates and the issues that are most important to them.

By Jacob Villanueva and Elena Mejia Lutz

Nov. 8, 20162 PM Central

In Kingwood, Molly Cheatham said she voted for Donald Trump because of his opposition to abortion. “In this country, we need to cultivate an atmosphere where we embrace life,” the 22-year-old nanny and substitute teacher said.Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

Emma Gutierrez voted for Donald Trump at the Lark Community Center in McAllen. “I want a more honest administration in the White House,” the 88-year-old retiree said.Reynaldo Leal for The Texas Tribune

In Kingwood, Bonnie Wilson said her top two issues are military and taxes.The 42-year-old office manager said she voted for Donald Trump for president because she believes he’ll strengthen the military.Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

In Kingwood, Lawrence Piercy, 58, said he showed up only to vote in the presidential race. The business manager said he voted for Donald Trump because he considered Hillary Clinton a criminal. Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

After volunteering for Hillary Clinton’s first presidential campaign in 2008, Sara Lopez was happy to cast a vote for Clinton Tuesday in Edinburg. “I’m an openly gay Latina,” the 62-year-old farm labor contractor said. “Republicans want to tell me who to love and what to do with my body. That's between me and God, not me and Donald Trump.”Reynaldo Leal for The Texas Tribune

When asked why she voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump Tuesday in Kingwood, Heather Slay pointed to her three daughters. Slay, a 43-year-old attorney, said she was also interested in the local school trustee race as her kids attend public school.Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

At the George Washington Carver Library in East Austin, Esther Araya said she was voting for Hillary Clinton. The 24-year-old said the most important issue to her is immigration, though she generally agreed with Clinton on other issues.Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune

Emile Centeno described choosing between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as choosing between the Joker and the mob. The 30-year-old mortgage broker, who voted in Kingwood, said he picked Clinton. He was also watching the local race for family court judge because of issues with his divorce.Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

First time voter Anuradha Masand, 46, who voted in Houston, went through a tedious and expensive nine-year process to become a U.S. citizen. She backed Donald Trump because of his immigration stance.Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

In Dallas, Brian Eyre, an author, declined to say who he voted for but did say it wasn't Trump. He said the country needs to be fixed but that he's convinced Trump isn't the one to do it.Cooper Neill for The Texas Tribune

Amber Gage voted in Austin with her 1-year-old son, Ayden Gage. "I voted for Hillary because I feel like what she is trying to do is positive," said Gage, 22, who works in home health care. She said the most important issue to her is "to bring peace into the world. We are equal and we should all just be as one.”Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune

Daniel Arevalo, a 54-year-old salesperson, cast his ballot in San Antonio. “I voted for Donald Trump because I think he’s good for America. I don’t think Hillary has any business sense, and he does, and in my opinion he’ll do better for us than she will. The most important issue in this election is the economy and jobs. That’s why I voted for Trump. I think he will bring more jobs. I think Clinton is in it for herself to make money.”Robin Jerstad for The Texas Tribune

Patrick Dughi, 40, a software engineer, waits to vote in Round Rock. He said he was voting for Gary Johnson to support the potential for more than just two viable parties.Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune

In Houston, Anna Harrison, 26, an assistant speech therapist, said she voted for Jill Stein because she feels “like the two other candidates are puppets set up to tear people apart and build hate.” As a voter, she is most concerned about women’s rights, she said.Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

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