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New Citizens Talk About Voting
Posted on Sep 13 2018
Naturalization—becoming a U.S. citizen—takes a lot of paperwork, study, and time. This fall, we talked to many new citizens who have been clients of ILCM, and asked them about voting. Here are some of their thoughts:
How do you feel about voting?
Argenis: “I’m very excited because it is my first time to vote here. I’m going to see all the candidates and what they offer for our country. I wish I can be part of the change that will make it better.”
Oogi: “I’m looking forward to it. I wasn’t really into politics or anything, but then this last election really forced me to see how important it is whom you are going to vote for.”
What issues are most important to you as you prepare to vote?
Christian: “It really depends on what the candidates have to offer. Not a single candidate will offer everything that you want. You want to go, first, with the one who makes more sense, and second, offers the country, the community some fundamental values that will keep us strong and together.”
Oogi: “When Bernie Sanders said this is your right, everyone should have insurance. I was like, ‘Exactly!’ I worked in an emergency room and saw people without insurance and saw problems with insurance system.
“I want to raise my voice and be part of it – health insurance is part of it, also working class people and middle class people—our struggles.”
Some people don’t feel that voting makes a difference. What would you say to them?
Argenis: “It does make a difference. It’s how you can speak out for yourself and for the people. One vote can make a difference.”
Oogi: “Voting makes so much difference. Think about it. There’s maybe a couple million who think voting doesn’t count, but every single person counts, and that’s really important. If you want to make a difference, or a change in your life, you have to vote for it.”