"I feel that this election is particularly critical and I feel lucky that I am able to participate in it. With the way our world is headed, we need immediate change and I want to vote for a president that will guide us in the right direction."
Danya, 19
“There will never be a new world order until women are a part of it” -Alice Paul
I refuse to believe that I can't do anything about it.
This promise has echoed in my head throughout the last 8 months.
Pandemic, racial injustice, economic disenfranchisement, politics, apathy, fear, confusion, depression, alienation... I refuse to believe that I can't do anything about it.
I realized that "doing something about it" can take shape on a small scale; a scale that is well suited to me and my gifts and my voice. That my voice, regardless of how small, can inspire someone, give someone motivation, perhaps even hope.
2020 marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.
On the precipice of this upcoming election, I turned my lens onto a group of first time female voters. People that exist in my community at home in Hawaii.
As a snapshot of suffragist success, this anniversary reveals the many women left out of frame. After an arduous year of injustices and tragedy, this cross-section of women voice their consensus of conviction as they prepare to cast their first ballots.
By using their voice they carry the torch and broaden the lens through which all may be seen and heard.
“As a young adult, I think voting is not only important for my future but for the future of the next generations. We are setting the foundation of ethics from which we engage with society and our environment.”
Kassie, 20
"Having the opportunity to vote gives me the ability to represent and fight for people who are still unheard. The systems and policies of this country have been in place since its founding. They're imperfect and we're created to serve a very different nation than that which we live in today. They can only change with my participation. Therefore, I will continue to use it to share my thoughts and opinions in hopes of generating a more peaceful and unified country for everyone."
Lucy Dustman, 19
"It is a privilege to choose whether or not to participate in the election.
Voting, to me, is an incredibly important opportunity to not only voice your own opinion and values, but also to support and reinforce the voices of those who are suppressed. I know that I can't do this on my own, so voting feels like my chance to take part in a real positive change."
Kano, 21
“There is something largely empowering and satisfying in voting. When I finished filling in my ballot, I felt an enormous wave of pride in knowing that although my vote is just one small droplet in the vast sea of all the votes, it still matters. My voice is valued. I put in the time to research all the local representatives and their responses to how they will handle certain issues for our people here at home, which made me feel even more confident in each selection. It’s so important to stand up for what and whom we believe. It’s so important to have a say in how our country grows. It’s so important to participate in matters that influence all of our lives. It’s not only important, but it’s necessary. I feel immense gratitude to have the opportunity to contribute to the larger picture of our national community, and our community here at home.”
Heather, 22
"Right now, more than ever, we all have a major part to play in the way we shape our world and our future. We simply don’t have the luxury of time, now is the moment to get up and do something about it."
Abeba, 19
"This is such a crucial election to take part in as a first time woman voter. I am a bilingual first generation American and I see the importance of voting for someone who supports immigration. My home is split between views from an immigrant mother and a born and bred American, we speak both Spanish and English in my family. This is a crucial election for people with all different backgrounds and hopefully this can be a step towards uniting communities together instead of tearing them apart. As a sustainability major who hopes to go on to study environmental law. I am also using my vote to fight for the environment. We do not have much time left to reverse climate change. The more I learn about these issues the more I worry. America needs a president who will listen to the scientists and to the people. "
Maya Crow, 20
"This new generation of voters are more diverse than ever. During these turbulent times, I believe that it's critical to make our voices heard. As a first generation immigrant, I plan on exercising my right to vote as an expression of my agency to make change and of my independence. Our future and the future of those after us depend on our vote."
Kaye, 19
“I’ve never cared or been interested in politics, I actively tried to stay away because I hated conflict and thats all I saw in the people around me who were into it. I was dreading having to pick between the two main candidates, but I was feeling guilty about not voting at all.
So for the first time, I did my own research and almost instantly became passionate. I learned about voter suppression, and that I have more than two choices.
My first ever presidential vote will be 3rd party, and people tell me it’s a ‘waste of a vote’ because ‘they won’t win.’ However, the only waste of a vote is voting for someone you don’t believe in.
I used to think that my one vote couldn’t mean much, but it does, and I know that now.”
Kristy, 22
“This election is the most critical in recent history. As a first time female voter who spends most of her time in the ocean and is passionate about the environment, there are issues that deeply matter to me on the ballot. I was nervous and excited when voting, knowing that this is a chance for my voice to be heard.”
Annie, 19
"I believe that we need to grow past the ideas that have stood in the way of the greater good. That is why I'm voting."
Maya, 21
"Having been a Greencard holder for the past 30 years, I believe it is time for me to step off the sidelines and make my voice heard. I am voting not only to honor the women before me that fought to ensure the freedoms and rights we enjoy today but also to ensure that future generations keep benefitting from and building on these rights."
Sabine, 54
"During this time, as a woman, more so as just a human, I've definitely found myself searching for the true meaning of life and how we are supposed to live as one."
Sarah, 20
Skyla, 20
"I feel like it's my duty as a woman, and as a citizen of this next generation, to vote. This is my first time voting and I want to take part in a wave of change that impacts this country for the better. I want to help build a country that is comfortable, equal and safe for all."
Mana, 19
Erika, 19
“I’m proud to vote this year because I’m ready for change. I’m aware of what’s at stake and I don’t take this privilege for granted.”
Kristen, 20
"This is the time to make a difference. With the abundance of uncertainty in the world, sharing our voice is a privilege that is easily forgotten. Manifesting change is our right, and our voices need to be heard. This is our future, why shouldn't we decide?"
Naia Griesseman, 23
“I am grateful for my right to vote. Every ounce of my being knows that as women we have so much strength and power to share with the world. We have the opportunity to use this power to shape a better future for our children.”
Mahina, 22
"For me, voting brings about a mix of emotions. On the one hand, I'm excited for the opportunity to express my opinion and participate in such an important collective action. I get to have a voice in a way I never have before and it feels very powerful. On the other hand, I'm left feeling overwhelmed and a little discouraged. Although I know that voting is a powerful way to make my voice heard, it feels like such a small action compared to the importance of the issues at hand. I just wish that there was more that I could do. At the end of the day though, I feel very privileged to have the right and the ability to vote this year. Unfortunately, there are still barriers in place that exclude certain people from voting. So, with that privilege comes a big responsibility. I believe I have an obligation to vote for the best interest of myself and my community, as well as marginalized and underserved groups whose voices tend to be overlooked."
Abby, 20
"I've never been one to engage in politics, but I know I can see right from wrong. Unfortunately, we've witnessed so much wrong this year. Though it may feel like I'm helpless and small in such a big world, I see my community fighting for a voice and I am ready to stand with them. I am proud to say that I am a woman and I, among everyone (above 18) in the US, has the right to vote. So let's take thing opportunity to correct the wrong!"
Sydney Walker, 19
“My voice matters, yours does too. Amidst the current state of our country, we must make strides towards creating true freedom and justice to everyone. Even if the outcome of this election doesn’t impact you directly, it may be a matter of life or death for someone else. We have the power to make a change.”
Kaya, 20
“I knew I was going to vote this year, it was an absolute for me. My driving force and motivation is my teenage daughter. I want to have a say in her future, and believe my intentions and actions will make an impact. I feel strongly about the local election and feel empowered to elect candidates that align with my values. I seek candidates that strive to serve the local community and put the people first and the land first. This is the heart of my vote. Taking the time to research the candidates and selecting the people I believe can make a difference and will fight for change”
Bree, 37