For many Americans, 2020 is a year unlike any other.
Voters and elections workers have had to don masks and adapt to new voting machines and procedures, all while coping with the ongoing stress brought on by a national pandemic.
And yet, people are turning out in record numbers to underscore the important of voting.
Recently, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked readers to explain why they voted. Here are their stories in their own words.
Carla Klepper: “I vote because even when I felt like my vote didn’t count, it counted to me. My dad fought in WWII and landed in Normandy during D-Day, and he always told my brother, sister and I that voting was what the reason he marched through France and fought so hard when he was sometimes 15 years older than some of the kids with whom he was marching. I have voted in every presidential election since LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson, elected 1963), and the cardinal rule around our house is voting is the only thing that allows you to discuss politics around the dinner table. My favorite voting moment came in W’s (George W. Bush) first-time run. I had to work on election day so I got the polls by 7:30 a.m. It was raining, and there were about 10 people in line ahead of me. I will always remember standing there, under my umbrella, and tearing up because here were folks from all stations of life standing in the rain and dark just so we could do our civic duty. I will vote as long as I can breathe.”
Alicia Brown: “I am voting because when I lived in Birmingham, I had a hand in helping the City of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District become a National Monument. Knowing the blood, sweat and tears that were shed in that district for me to be able to vote, really empowered me to make sure my voice was heard. I have a picture of myself with John Lewis when I was in Washington, D.C. in 2013. The City of Birmingham had an exhibit set up for the anniversary of the Voters Rights Act. I gave him the pin he had on. It was so inspiring to see him looking at artifacts from the era that he played such a vital role in. I feel like he is looking down from heaven with pride that so many are doing what he fought so hard for.”
Loretta Bean: “I’m a mother, widow and God-fearing woman who voted Trump to secure our freedom — it’s that simple."
Annabelle Marshall: “I am an 19-year-old girl in college. I struggle with diagnosed anxiety and depression. I voted early, for Joe Biden, because he believes in health care for mental health. He cares about my reproductive rights, and he cares about people just like me, in the middle class. He is a kind and respectful man. Voting to me means voting for all of my friends who don’t have a voice, for all workers who have been hurt these past months. I vote for America!”
Sherri Jefferson: “I understand one vote may not change the outcome of an election. However, my vote is a vote for hope. Hope for a better tomorrow for our children in education, employment, healthcare, and foster care. My hope is that our country and the state of Georgia will invest in the next generation and ensure fair and equitable access to affordable housing and healthcare and equity in education and employment opportunities. My hope is that our elderly will not be relegated to live in nursing homes and that in-home services and funding can keep them in their homes and community. Those requiring services will have rights that protect them from victimization during residency, especially pandemics. My hope is that Medicare and Medicaid patients will be guaranteed quality care. My hope is that corruption and fraud in legislative, judicial and executive branches of government will be held accountable. My hope is for freedom of religion and free speech.”
Sean Reich: “Voting is cool and I’m not going to vote for a party that wants to make it harder for eligible voters to vote. Not going to vote for someone who spends $140 million of taxpayer money to golf at resorts he owns and fails to pass a (economic) stimulus. Not going to vote for someone who lies on average 16 times a day. Time for the Republican Party to go the way of the phoenix.”
-- Note: Reader names are those provided via social media posts or email. If you’d like to share your “Why I Vote” story, please email george.mathis@ajc.com and include your hometown.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution provides the latest election news, analysis and information about the campaigns, the candidates and the results. Through Nov. 5, we’re providing open access to our coverage of the elections and analysis from our expert journalists. We follow the facts, so you know what’s really going on. Support local journalism and subscribe today.
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