Markesha Parker, Milwaukee, WI

Markesha Parker spoke with us at South Division Highschool in Milwaukee.  She is 18 and a first-time voter.  As an African American, she thinks it is very important to exercise her right to vote, referring to the days when it was more difficult for African Americans to vote.

She sees voting as a way to affect the world she lives in.  Education here is "all right," she says, "but it could be better."  She thinks her highschool should have a music department, for instance.  Then she laughs.  "And the lunches could be better!"

She wants a President who will take action.  "They say stuff, but then don't do it."  She wants a President who will achieve his goals.  Her priority, which she hopes the President will be able to solve, is healthcare.  She shakes her head over the state of healthcare in the U.S.  "It's so wrong."

She's heading for college next year, and is planning to become an engineer.  She loves math and she loves to dance.  In the short term, she hopes to inspire more minority voters to get out the vote this election.  Voting is important, she says: "It's your future that's in your hands.  Vote."

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