New Yorkers Share Thoughts on Voting in New CFB Project

Today we launch a new project: “Voters of New York.” We asked dozens of New Yorkers from across the five boroughs to share their personal stories about voting and why they feel it is important to make their voices heard this election year. We hope their stories will inspire people to get on the voting rolls and to the polls on Election Day.

The testimonies were transcribed directly from recorded interviews, and have not been edited by the Campaign Finance Board. They are an unvarnished glimpse into New Yorkers’ feelings about voting. We asked participants a handful of questions, including why they feel voting is important and what they would say to someone who is not voting. The statements do not reflect the views or opinions of the CFB.

New stories will be available several times a week across CFB's media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and the Voter's of New York Instagram page.

The photos and testimonies were collected by Jessica Su, a New York City high school student who completed an internship through the Generation Citizen Community Change Fellows program. Here are her reflections on the project:

“The process of collecting pictures and interviews is an experience that has changed me as a person. Asking a voter on the streets of New York the simple question, ‘Why is voting important to you?’ opens up so many different stories and opinions. It has been eye-opening to travel to different parts of New York City to do this work. I’ve seen how differently other people are living their lives and the daily struggles they go through, as well as seeing some of their victories and celebrations.

“My favorite moment from the Voters of New York project was attending a naturalization ceremony and seeing so many joy-filled new citizens celebrating their citizenship. Getting to talk to them and see the enthusiasm they have for their new life as citizens is something I will never forget.

“A challenge that I encountered while approaching people and asking them about voting, was hesitating before approaching someone. I didn’t think asking someone about why they vote would get people to open up to me and was afraid everyone was going to respond with the cliché ‘Voting is your civic duty.’ However, over the summer I’ve learned that everyone has a story and something unique to share, so there should never be any hesitation. The common thing that motivates people to vote, is having their voice heard and standing up for the issues that are important to them.”