Vocabulary
Election Time
By Yasmin Romero-Latin
Election time is very important because we have to vote in order to be heard. If you cannot
vote, you cannot help us get out of the shadow. We need to make a difference, and that is
achieved by using your vote. So, I will vote, and I want you to know that I will be consciously be
representing you. I know some of you cannot vote, so “my vote is your vote."
Our vote makes the government listen to us and respect our human rights, such as the right to
health, education, justice. The vote also helps us to defend ourselves against racism,
discrimination, and social injustice.
Voting also helps us participate in the politics of this country. As an example of that, I have been
elected as a government official in Washington, D.C., an A.N.C. (Advisory Neighborhood
Commission) Commissioner for 1D01, for two terms. During my two terms, I was the only
Hispanic from Latin America.
There will be D.C. and national elections this year, and our representation is achieved by the
popular vote.
The vote is a very good example of the fact that "Yes we can!" Therefore, we ask all those who
can vote to do so. In that way, we can represent those who can not vote. In that way, we can also
have a better life, the life we deserve in this wonderful land of opportunity.
Photo from www.communityenterprise.com
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In Our Own Words 2016