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Neighbors on opposite sides of the ballot remain friends amid Election 2020

Posted at 6:56 PM, Oct 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-28 18:58:59-04

Some people are calling this election the most important election in American history. It's also dividing friends, families and neighbors across the country and in Tampa Bay.

According to our ABC Action News' legal analyst Dr. Susan MacManus, Florida voters are divided like never before and it's driving more people to the polls.

"It's interesting," she said.

Hearing how we found two neighbors who have managed to still like each other when most of the country is having a hard time doing that put a huge smile on her face.

"That's exactly what we hope for," she said.

Vincent Pisco is a registered Independent and President Donald Trump supporter. Chuck Smith is a Democrat and registered Joe Biden supporter. They are also next-door neighbors and they like each other.

"He's a good neighbor," Smith said. "We just don't agree on politics."

The highlight of the story -- for Dr. MacManus -- the kindness both men continue to show each other in-spite what they're seeing around the world. For example, Smith hurt his leg a few months ago, so Pisco cut his grass for him.

"We're neighbors no matter what our opinions are," he said. "I think we still have to help each other out."

"I do the same for him. We care about each other and we respect each other's rights to be wrong," said Smith.

Dr. Macmanus hopes stories like Pisco and Smith inspires others, especially Floridians.

Florida might decide this election as it did in 2000, but the last thing she wants is for this current divide to grow with the results

"People can disagree and still be civilized and be friends," she said. "Democracy is about choices."