Our votes are powerful, especially in Arizona, where elections have been decided by a handful of ballots. For some of us, it’s our civic duty. Others are motivated to vote because election outcomes will have a profound impact on the people they care about the most.
This year, our rights — and the rights of our friends, families and neighbors — are on the ballot. To drive home the importance of this year’s election, we asked community members why they vote. From protecting immigrant families and trans youth, to enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution, Arizona voters shared many reasons why voting in this year matters to them.
Malcolm, age 22
"Voting is more than a civic duty for me; it’s a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought tirelessly for our rights. Since I was a kid, I’ve been deeply moved by the civil rights movement. The bravery of those who stood against police brutality, racism, discrimination, and homophobia has always ignited a fire within me. These aren’t just stories from the past; they are the harsh realities we face today. I have felt the sting of these injustices personally and seen their devastating effects on my community.
"I believe in the power of our collective voices and the change we can bring. By voting, we can elect leaders who will fight for justice, equality, and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. We can work towards ending the systemic racism that plagues our nation."
This embed will serve content from youtube-nocookie.com.
Privacy info.
Denise, age 21
"Growing up part of a mixed status family, I thought a lot about my 8-year-old self that was very impacted by anti-immigrant legislation like SB 1070. I was afraid that I would come home to an empty household, that it would just be my sister and I, because it was a very real possibility that my parents could get deported. This is the first presidential election that I get to vote in and I'm actually really excited because I remember that, in the 2020 presidential election, my 18th birthday was just 10 days out from the election so I was encouraging all my friends to vote because I knew the importance of voting.
"I vote with my sister in mind who's a Dreamer and I vote for candidates who are advocates of the immigrant community and are working to secure a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers like my sister. Voting down the ballot is really important to me because we have to look at it full-picture. It's really important to participate in federal races, but also in races at the local level. I vote to protect my right to reproductive health care. I vote to protect my queer community. Overall, I want to see a community that feels safe, a community that's inclusive of all people, no matter what their background is or what their identity is."
Alexander, age 25
"It is important that we use our privilege to vote, because the lives of transgender and gender diverse youth are at stake. As a 25-year-old, transgender, eligible voter who was born and raised in Arizona, I am voting to create a future in which my family, friends, community, and I feel safe in our own home.
"I am voting because it is my obligation. It is my chance to be heard and speak for those whose voices have been silenced."
This embed will serve content from youtube-nocookie.com.
Privacy info.
Chris, age 26
"It's one thing to learn about the policies through news or social media, but it is completely different when you're working with the kids whose lives are affected by those policies every single day. Part of the reason why it is important for me to vote is because I see how that affects their lives. When you start to see faces, you start to know their names, and know their families – it just holds a different weight.
"My parents are immigrants from Haiti. Seeing how much it meant to them when they became citizens, it's like another duty and obligation I have because it means so much to them. Women's bodies are being targeted, queer and trans rights are being targeted, Haitian Americans are being targeted. When we're talking about voting in the election, that means something to me. I have to say something. I have to do something.
"As a Gen-Z’er, seeing the progress we've made and seeing how far they can push us back with this election – absolutely not. We have to get out there. I don't care if you Tik Tok, I don't care if you make a reel of it, something. As long as you get out there to vote!"
Francis, age 27
"I vote because I am a person who has the privilege to vote. I vote on the issues that impact my identity of gender, reproductive rights, and voting rights as a whole. But I don’t just vote for me - I vote for my friends, my family, the people in my community, and the people who I know will personally benefit from a specific measure getting passed. Voting is not a singular thing, it’s a community-wide effort, and we can all get together to create a better future."
ACLU of Arizona Staff
Our team shows up everyday to protect democracy in the courts, at the legislature, and in communities across our state. We work to ensure every voter has the opportunity and information to cast their ballot.
To wrap up our Why We Vote series, we asked ACLU of Arizona staff why voting is important to them. Here’s what they said!
This embed will serve content from youtube-nocookie.com.
Privacy info.
Election Day is November 5
Make sure you know your rights, know what propositions are on your ballot, and check out our Voter Information Hub to make sure you're prepared.
