Monica from Duanesburg, New York will be walking into the convention not only as a first-time delegate, but also as a first time voter and new American citizen.She came to the United States 20 years ago from Costa Rica but just recently applied for citizenship. “Sometimes immigrants hold back and don’t want to make that change and give up their home country. But I finally did and am so excited that my first vote will go to Barack Obama.” Monica’s mother and sister became citizens at the same time and will also be placing their first-ever votes for Barack in November.Because this is her first time voting, Monica feels a great sense of pride being chosen a delegate.
Voting this year means a lot to me. It means that I really believe in my vote, and I believe it’s going to make a difference. We really need people involved this year because we can’t continue with the current government and politics. Voting this year means that I am officially part of the democracy. I can’t tell you how excited I am! I am part of this movement.
A 37-year-old legislative budget analyst for the New York State Assembly, Monica is very involved in her community, especially with a number of local Latino organizations. She works with Hispanic Outreach Services, which provides tutoring, language help, and after school programs to the community. She says she is very concerned with how high fuel prices, a lack of quality healthcare, and childcare costs have impacted her local Latino community.Monica had never been politically involved before the Obama campaign came calling. But she’s been doing all she could for the campaign for months – from helping with voter registration to being the treasurer for her local Obama office, to traveling to Ohio to knock on doors.
Knocking on doors? I would never have done that before! But I feel that Barack is going to do something for us, so we have to do something for him first.The fact that Barack inspired me to move and do something is incredible. He’s very passionate about what he believes. The fact that he moves people is very important to me. To bring the changes that he wants to bring, we need everyone involved.
With one day to go until the start of the Democratic National Convention, excitement is building in Denver and across America. Soon, delegates from all fifty states will convene in the Mile High City to cast their ballots for Barack Obama and witness his acceptance of the Democratic Party's nomination for president of the United States. Thursday, August 28th will be the biggest night of the campaign so far. Even if you can’t be in Denver, you can be a part of this historic convention by attending a Convention Watch Party in your area.
Comments are closed for this post.
