During election Week, American University students in the Battleground Virginia course were dispersed around the state to cover the historic 2025 gubernatorial contest that led to the election of Virginia's first female governor. Students conducted voter interviews, attended campaign events, and created real-time journalism that brought the election's implications to life during an intensive and eventful trip. Now that they are back on campus, they are using pictures by SOC photography student Ben Ackman to reflect on the experience of witnessing democracy in action. 
 

This stop wasn't on the itinerary. When I heard that Anna Moneymaker, a SOC alum working for Getty Images who I had met at AU, was in the area, I texted her and asked if she had any more assignments nearby. The diner pictured turned out to be down the street from our hotel, so a classmate and I made an unscheduled detour and caught Gov. Glenn Youngkin appearing with the entire GOP ticket. When he and Winsome Earle-Sears headed to the kitchen to make pancakes, I took my chance to follow them. Anna's camera is visible in the bottom of the frame.

Ben Ackman, Economics and Photography, SOC/BA '27 
Photo by Ben Ackman 
 

The day before the election, I went to a rally at VCU focused on getting out the student vote. I talked to VCU and University of Richmond students, campaign volunteers and some people who just happened to be passing by the park we were in. A few people said they showed up because someone else told them they could meet the next governor of Virginia. It was a gorgeous day, and the energy was really positive as the Spanberger supporters felt hopeful about the election. I had a lot of great conversations with people about the issues they cared most about --- you can learn a lot about somebody's motivations and experiences from just that question.  

Penelope Jennings, senior, Journalism and History, SOC/BA '26 
Photo by Ben Ackman 
 

Even though this photo was taken at a different site, it immediately brought me back to the polling locations I visited while in Norfolk on Election Day. Speaking with voters as they walked in or out of the building gave me a real sense of what this historic election meant to people on an individual level. Some were tired, some were excited, and some were emotional, but every conversation reminded me how much hope and responsibility people carry into the voting booth. Being able to capture those stories in real time was one of the most meaningful parts of the entire trip.  

Lauren Gersten, Public Relations and Legal Studies, SOC/BA '26
Photo by Ben Ackman