Nicole Votes for the First Time — October 30, 2020
Election Day is next Tuesday! We hope you’ve voted already, or at the very least have a voting plan in place. Today, we have an inspiring story to share about our resident Nicole who voted for the first time at age 62! We were so inspired by her story and her enthusiasm we had to share it with you.
How long have you been living with us here at Clare Housing?
I’ll have been here for two years in December. I love it here. I’m safe. I get along with everyone and the staff is wonderful. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing in the world. Everybody treats me with respect and that’s how I like it.
Why did you decide to vote this year? Why was it so important to you?
It was my very first time! With all the different stuff going on, I knew I had to. You got to start somewhere, and I figure my one vote might be the one that’s needed to make the change and get the right person into office.I felt so good I talked about it all day! I never followed politics much before. But I’ve been spending a lot of time in the house getting in touch with the news and feeling more aware of what’s going on. It’s overwhelming, but I think getting everyone to vote is the jump start we need.
What would you say to someone thinking about voting for the first time?
I would say, “You know what you need to do is go vote! I’m going with you. We’re gonna get you a mail-in ballot. If you want to stand at the pole I’ll go with you but you’re going to have to bring me a fold-up chair. It’s going to make you feel empowered. It’s going to give you so much hope.”
Being older, you start to understand how politics affects you, and other people you care about. Voting will change your outlook on things. Not every issue affects you, but you can be sure it affects other folks you know, other folks you care about. How do you know you won’t make a difference?
Seeing the long lines at the polls this year, hearing people say they’re going to bring a lunch or wear a hazmat suit if that’s what it takes, it gives me hope.
What was the voting process like for you?
I did mail-in voting. My Case Manager helped me register online to get my ballot. A week later I got it through the mail, and one of the Clare Housing staff showed me how to fill it out. I put it right back in the mail the same day!
Then I tracked it online to make sure they got it. I’m still waiting to see when it’s counted. Election Day can’t come soon enough for me – waiting for it feels like waiting for a check in the mail!
Thanks to Nicole for reminding us how important it is for all of us to get out there and vote. If you weren’t going to vote – do it! Voting can be the jump-start our country needs to address so many challenges that affect our residents, and everyone else — from handling the pandemic to healthcare and housing, and more!