California Voices
First-time Voters
Voters have become increasingly disillusioned with our democratic process. To give Californians a sense of why others believe voting is important, CalMatters asked a few first-voters to explain why they are casting a ballot this November.
Illustration by Gabriel Hongsdusit, CalMatters
"Hearing from others who are making the effort to vote this year — whether that’s taking time to show up at a polling site or mailing their ballot — might help you discover your reason for voting."
Read →
Kate McQuarrie
California Voices intern and project lead
“My life, marked by early incarceration and systemic failures, has been a continuous struggle for recognition and rights. The act of voting is not merely a civic duty, but a personal triumph over a past that sought to silence me.”
Read →
Richard "Bonaru" Richardson
Formerly incarcerated voter
“Young voters are only one-third of the electorate but 100% of the future. That makes us ideal advocates for transformational politics.”
Read →
Sunshine Thao
Hmong American first-time voter
"I finally feel like I fully belong both here and there. I can travel to my birthplace without fear and be a voting member of my community at home. "
Read →
Itzel Maganda Chavez
New U.S. citizen and first-time voter
“I fear for my future and the future of our children and grandchildren. What will this world look like for them? What will it look like during my own life? If my vote can make a difference in that outcome, then I will use it to make the most of my power, as every young voter should.”
Read →
Bella Tarlton
College freshman and first-time voter
“To me, this is the ultimate group project where each of us have a role to play in deciding our future since the decisions that our elected leaders make affect us for years to come.”
Read →
Namrata Venkatesan
Second-generation immigrant and first-time voter