Monica, Karen and Aracelli have been working to register voters with Minnesota SOL (Strengthening Our Lives).
Monica is 19 years old • I always thought politics was for old nerds. But, since I joined this group, I realize that we can make a difference. There are so many things that aren’t right in our community. The fact that schools don’t get funded the way they should, or that college is becoming harder for me to pay. So, even though I didn’t want to get involved since I thought all politicians are crooks, I am starting to find out that young people like me can make a difference. Besides, it can be fun too. Our group challenged our team leader. We told him that if we collected 30 voter registration cards in one day, he would have to shave his beard. Needless to say, our boss is walking around hairless: It’s hilarious!
Karen is 18 years old. • I like meeting new people. One day when I was knocking on the doors, a little kid opened the door. I was cringing when he did that saying to myself, “Honey, you shouldn’t open the door to strangers.” Anyway, I asked if there was an adult at home and he calls for his sister. She couldn’t have been older than 11 years old. She brings with her a whole troupe of kids that seemed to have been born a year apart. There must have been about 10 kids at the door looking at me wondering what I wanted. So, I just asked them if their parents were registered to vote, not knowing what else to say. At this point, one of the youngest, (couldn’t have been older than 4 years old), peeks out from behind his sister and yells, “OBAMA.” All I can say is that I left a few voter registration cards and left with a smile knowing that our youth are paying attention.
Aracelli is 19 years old. • My parents and grandparents come from another country and have never been very political. I never thought I would be either. But, after months of learning about how we can make a difference in our own lives, I have sat down with my grandmother and said, “Abuelita, it is time to vote. We can’t sit around and let others decide what to do without at least speaking out!” After long conversations, I finally have my grandmother registered to vote and will be taking her this November 4th to vote for the very first time. It’s about time we all stood up.
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