Sep
2
Written by:
admin
9/2/2008 7:38 AM
The upcoming election in November is one of the most important elections in history, no matter which side you are on. There is one thing the last two presidential elections taught us – Every vote counts!
Yes, that means your vote.
I registered to vote when I turned 18 because I was born to Cuban immigrant parents and it was so important to them that we all participate.
My father is a physician and in the early 1950’s when he and my mother first applied to come to the United States for my father’s medical residency, the gentleman at the Consulate recommended they just apply for permanent resident alien status rather then fill out paperwork year after year. This advice would change the course of their lives.
In the later 1950’s, the Cuban government would conduct “sweeps” at universities for fear these institutions were threatening stability. In one such sweep at the University of Havana, my father was taken. My mother says it was two weeks of using every connection she had to find him. She packed two suitcases and the day after he was released, they left for the United States not knowing then they would never return to the country of their birth. My father became a citizen as soon as he was able; my mother became a citizen when I was a young child. I still remember the ceremony.
My siblings and I were raised with the belief that voting is your right and it is a privilege to have such rights. My parents would have great parties on the nights of the party conventions (back when the candidate was actually selected at the convention).
On the night of the presidential election there were always family and friends over and we would stay up late waiting for the results. I now have three children of my own and at every state primary we watch for the final results. My husband and I have made sure they know who the candidates are, more importantly they know who we vote for and ultimately elect has an impact on their lives. Make a difference in your life, in our lives and vote in the upcoming elections.
- Elizabeth, One Kellogg Place Branch
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