This snapshot was gathered in conjunction with the Museum on Main Street program at the Smithsonian Institution and its "Stories from Main Street" initiative. The project is intended to capture Americans' impressions and stories about their small-town and rural neighborhoods, waterways, personal memories, cultural traditions, work histories, and thoughts about American democracy. This story is from a group of narratives inspired by the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America."
Analyssa Flores (00:00): When I turned 18, it was the first thing I wanted to do. I was like, okay, I need to register now. And voting was such, like a thrill almost. It was like something I had waited for so long. Coming from the Latino community, there are so many people that I know that don't get that privilege, that go and advocate for voters to vote and to register because they don't have that right and they wish they could have that. So I vote every single time, even for the presidential election, my local elections, because I do have that right, and I make sure to tell everyone who isn't registered.
(00:40): So, I believe that as American citizens, not only do we have to spread the word of the importance to vote, but to inform those who do vote. And all that goes into voting and not just being blindsided because of something someone has said, but for them to actually do the research and make sure they're not just being blinded by what someone has said, but to actually understand what they're voting for, who they're voting for, and what they stand for. And if they actually do believe that they agree with their opinions. And making sure that we advocate voting every day in our daily lives. Like, oh, did you vote today in the grocery store? Did you vote today to their teacher. A simple question like that. Like, oh, I didn't vote. I should go to the polls right now. It's something as simple as a simple question that can make such a great difference.
Asset ID: 2022.34.01.d
