VOCES / VOICES
Casting vote important component of citizenship As you can probably tell by the many commercials, billboards, and yard signs throughout the city, it’s campaign season. And I am here to ask for your vote. I registered to vote the day after I turned 18. My first polling place was at Fairview Elementary School. I couldn’t wait to show the volunteers my voter registration card which I carried with me at all times. While I can’t remember what I was voting on at the time, I do recall talking to my mom and step-dad about who I should vote for. They gave me their opinions and I could tell they were proud that I even cared to ask about the upcoming election. Smiling proudly, I arrived at the polling place and showed the volunteer my card. I could tell
she probably hadn’t seen too many names like mine because the woman said, “Sign here, Miss Martin-ez.” This was not my first experience with politics. At the early age of 6, I watched my grandma campaign for dozens of governor, state senate, county commissioner and city council candidates. She made enchilada dinners and paper flowers to help raise money for many campaigns both republican and democrat. I would go with her to deliver food and decorations. Together, we would entertain audiences singing “Una Noche” and I would dance “La Negra.” One thing bothered me. Rarely were any of the candidates Latino. Rarely were people at the fund raisers Latino.
I know that many of us get caught up in the everyday occurrences that make life “busy.” Some of you are working two and three jobs, while trying to raise a family and go to school. Why are you doing all of this? Probably to make a better life for your kids and your grandkids. If you honestly want to see change for your family, the best thing you can do is vote. Use your constitutional right to influence change in your government, whether it’s for the local school board or the governor’s race. Make it a priority to vote every chance you get. It does matter. If you find a candidate that mirrors your values, get involved in the campaign. For example, immigration continues to be an important is-
sue in the Latino community. You need to find the candidate you feel would represent your principles in Washington D.C. There is a quote by Margaret Mead that I think of every time I go to the voting booth. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Ultimately, your kids and your grandkids will be the ones running for school board, state senate, or county commissioner in 10 or 20 years. They will be the ones wearing the “I voted” stickers. Show them now how important civic engagement can be. Show them what it means to be responsible American citizen. JESSICA MARTINEZBROOKS