November 8th.
Midterm election day here in the United States of America. All across the country, young adults exercised their right to vote for their representatives. Voting is an integral part of civic engagement and young adults had lots to say about how they felt. 2022 has been another year of tumultuous happenings across the world but what gives us hope is that young Americans are continuing the fight for a just society, a place where each person, no matter their background is politically, legally, and economically secure.
Our young adults were quick to share their voices with us when we asked about how they felt today.
Check out their perspectives below:
“While I can’t vote in the midterm elections, I am still passionate about immigration rights and education for all.” –Diana Flores, Young Adult from IL
“Voting is always an exciting time for me! I genuinely love educating peeps about all their voting options and providing voting guides from trusted progressive organizations, like Knock LA, to make their voting experience easier. I think it’s especially important as young adults that we go out and vote because this is not only about voting for our future, but about voting for a world we want to live in now.”–Mohamad Safa, Young Adult from CA
“I feel privileged to be voting for the first time since becoming an American citizen this year! It’s a right that many people do not have access to. Issues that I care about the most are gun violence and reproductive rights.”–Chris Gonzalez Wong, Young Adult from IL
“It feels daunting to vote in these midterms because I don’t know what to expect, but so much is on the line. I really care about ensuring election integrity and protecting a woman’s right to choose. These feel like basic civil liberties that are on the ballot today.”–Jacob Mazzerella, Young Adult from NY
“I’m worried, because I’m scared. But even though I am scared, I’m going to keep doing brave things anyway regardless of what happens. Because to me, that’s what it means to have courage and create hope. There’s a world in my head where embracement of diversity and love and community is the norm. And I know the only reason I can imagine such a world is because it can and will exist. “There is not one particular issue I’m more passionate about than another. But my passion is with how concerned I am about the people we choose, on the ballot, to communicate our needs to those in higher power. I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life to breathe and know I’m going to be okay. I feel like most people who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ just wants to know it’s going to be okay. We’re always fighting for our lives, but we need everyone to care and make tomorrow’s world better. Because we can’t do it alone, we have to do it in community.”–Karen Le, Young Adult from CO
“I’m feeling excited and anxious today. There are many important issues on the ballot that I hope pass as they will make a positive impact on Coloradans. I’m passionate about Proposition FF (Healthy School Meals for All), which will provide free meals for all public school students in Colorado. I grew up on the free and reduced lunch program and strongly believe no student should go to class on an empty stomach. I’m also passionate about Proposition 123 (Dedicate Revenue for Affordable Housing Programs), which will help us start tackling the affordable housing crisis and eventually bring down housing and renting prices across Colorado.” — Onnastasia Cole, Young Adult from CO
“I am always excited for a new election because it’s a time to have our voices heard. I’m especially passionate about Proposition 123. This proposition would help make Colorado a more affordable place to live.” — Sidney Weth, Young Adult from CO
“I am not sure how to describe how I feel about the midterm election this today. This is my first year where I am able to vote, so I am happy that I get to have a voice this year! An issue I am passionate about this election is proposition 123! It is so important to offer help to develop assistance to more renters and home buyers. Affordable housing is so important, and thousands of people face homelessness in Colorado due to the lack of help they get. Even as someone who doesn’t have housing under their name, it is important to vote for those who are in the pursuit of it, and vote for their benefit. ” –Kim-Phung Van, Young Adult from CO
“As a black woman, I recognize that many before fought so hard for me to exercise my right to vote, so I treat voting as an honor and a part of my civic duty as my mother taught me! I amplified my voice at the polls this cycle and advocated for the expansion of healthcare access and reproductive autonomy through my vote! I believe voting is an important tool and catalyst for positive change!” –Isabel Agbassi, Young Adult from TX
It’s my first time voting so it feels really exciting, but at the same time scary because you never know the true intentions of the person you elected for. I’m passionate about reproductive health!” –Rubesela Benitez, Young Adult from TX
“It feels really exciting since this is my first time voting! for me, I submitted my application really early and got my ballot weeks before the deadline to mail it. However, my brother didn’t get to vote because he had a defective application. My other friend got his ballot yesterday and only had a day to do it. so I feel lucky it went smoothly for me since it hadn’t for anyone else.”–Olivia Castillo, Young Adult from TX
It feels good to vote this midterm election, especially since there continues to be voter suppression in the US. Those who can, should use their voice so that we can have elected officials that will push for policies that benefit our future. An issue I’m passionate about is affordable housing , especially since my county is ranked as one of the most unaffordable in the nation. For those who are ineligible I tell them about how they can still GOTV and take action!–Astrid Morales, Young Adult from CA
“Participating in the current midterm election is exciting and exhausting. Everyone needs to understand the urgency of voting, as the future is ours, and needs our activism to create serious positive change. I am passionate about voter protection and civic engagement. In this election, we are seeing an increasingly high number of younger voters not show up to the polls. I cannot stress enough the importance of youth vote in this election, as we will be the ones impacted by policy and legislation.”–Gabriela Garcia, Young Adult from TX
“I’m voting because I am passionate about access to health care for women and minorities.” –Kevin Eway, Young Adult from IL
“I feel honored to have a privilege to vote for this midterm election as my representatives share my interests on advocating for medicare for all and honor immigration where we embrace undocumented individuals by recognizing them as full members of our country.” –Paola Cruz, Young Adult from NY
“Voting in the midterm elections feels invigorating! An issue I’m passionate about is national debt!”–Gina Rivera, Young Adult from CA
“I feel optimistic about voting. I hope that by voting during the midterms we can eliminate any confusion and hesitancy for future voting. I am passionate about the lack of free education, it’s absurd that we’re utilizing the education system to create debt for millions of Americans and hope that one day education will be free for all.” –Kristy Aviles, Young Adult from IL
“I feel very privileged to be able to vote in the midterm elections and help have a say in how we as the community express our needs. I also feel very anxious to see what the outcome will be and the changes that will arise from whoever is elected. I am passionate about women’s rights and protecting our right to full bodily autonomy at all costs.” –Amanda Gonzalez, Young Adult from IL
“It feels great and impactful to be voting in the midterm elections. So many oversee these elections, yet they tend to be the deciding factor in our day-to-day lives. Local elections have a significant impact on us. I am happy to educate individuals about candidates, props, and measures so they make the best-informed decision on their part.” –Mario Mendoza, Young Adult from CA
“I am excited and hopeful this year for mid-term elections, based on the additional resources provided. This includes the YI CO ballot guide which helped me feel informed and have autonomy in local community policy.” –Tayla Kelly, Young Adult from CO
“The time during our political process where we can hold elected officials accountable! Every issue that’s important to you is on the ballot. So I will take today to vote for candidates that support Reparations!”– Marvin Slaughter, Young adult from IL