Why does your vote matter? Join the discussion 

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Vote sign points at two people walking away from polling place, a larg building.

Megan Samp

Voters at the Hannah Community Center share why voting matters to them. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story.

East Lansing voters talk about why voting matters to them. Join our discussion and share why it matters to you. Here’s what some of the voters said. 

Mona Owusu, voting at the Hannah Community Center poll said, “As African Americans, we have fought a very long battle to do what we’re doing now… For my ancestors and the people that came before me to do that,” she said, not voting “would be a letdown.” Owusu is proud that her voice can be heard. “Now it’s been heard, and I’m going to let it ring.” 

Many are familiar with the phrase, “Voting is your civic duty,” but what does it really mean to Americans? One East Lansing voter said, “We’ve always voted, it’s what the countries are about, people making the decisions … If people don’t vote, someone’s going to make the decision for them, and it may not be what they want.” 

A 30-year resident said, “A party who lets the leader make decisions, then has to be content with that …”That is essentially why I am voting in every election down to the dog catcher.”

Jennifer Shuster, city clerk of East Lansing, says, “everyone that is eligible has the right to vote. It is a rewarding feeling knowing we were a part of that process.” 

What does voting mean to you? Join the conversation by adding a comment at the end of this post.

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