Election Stories

Rosa Arroyo, Phoenix, AZ

Rosa Arroyo has recently been sworn in as a new new American. She registered to vote in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 2 with the help of the community group ACORN, and she will be voting for the first time on Election Day. She came to this country in search of economic prosperity and to raise her children in a society where they have the opportunity to succeed. Despite the looming economic crisis, Rosa remains optimistic about our country's ability to bounce back. Through voting and making our voices heard at the polls, we can help our country respond to the economic challenges we face.

Newton Bell, Orlando, FL

Lynncoyia Bradley, Cincinnati, OH

Lynncoyia Bradley is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati and grew up in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. ACORN canvassers helped her to register to vote while she was at the mall. As a young voter and a new mother, she feels this is an historic election year. “I have to vote this time because this is history with an African-American candidate. I want to be able to tell my daughter that I voted in the election in the year she was born." Lynncoya’s daughter is 9 months old. “I am excited about the election and how the candidates are different. Previously, I felt like I didn’t know enough about the issues," she says. "This year, I know more and feel like I know more about the issues and the candidates and the different changes they are promising."

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Guillermina Torres, Phoenix, AZ

Guillermino Torres is a new citizen who was just sworn in at a ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. She will be casting a ballot for the first time this November. As a mother and teacher Guillermino is most concerned with the education system and America's economic stability. Guillermino would like to see more emphasis placed on education and restoring the health care system. She wishes that the candidates for president would focus more on issues that affect her during the Presidential debates, such as the candidates' health care plans. She worries about the cost of daycare. 

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Enrique Gutierrez, Phoenix, AZ

Enrique Gutierrez of Phoenix, Arizona is a new voter and new citizen. Originally from Chihuahua Mexico, Enrique was sworn in as a citizen in March. He already considers himself a patriot, full of pride to be an American and full of ideas on how to make our democracy work better for everyone. He had been a commercial driver in the US for 14 years. But not too long ago, Enrique was left disabled after a car accident. When his employer was unable to pay for his healthcare, Enrique lost everything.

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James Gray, Oxon Hill, MD

James is a reformed felon who served his time, did his community service, served parole, and is now registered to vote in Maryland. He had never voted before when he was charged with selling drugs and imprisoned, but once he had served out the term of his parole he immidiately registered to vote. James asked questions about his civil rights and bided his time in jail. He understood and agreed that he had not been a law abiding citizen and had to face the consequences of that, but he also understood that he never really lost the right to vote, he was only denied that right by the powers that be. 

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ElectionStories.org is a joint project of voting rights advocacy groups intended to tell the stories of real voters. 

This site is intended to assist writers, reporters, and the press in reaching the people behind the policy of voting and elections. It is intended to facilitate the stories of real Americans and amplifying voices that otherwise would not be heard.

If you would like to know how you can help, if you would like to tell your story, or if you have questions about this site, please contact: Lacy MacAuley, (202) 445-4692, lacy@massey-media.com.