John,

There’s a political reality that feels especially true this year: those who are silenced and made invisible have more at stake. Children who are too young to vote but whose futures are affected the most by current decisions. Families who rely on Obamacare to stay alive, but whose lives are contingent on a court case. Immigrant, undocumented families who are forced to live in the shadows. And so many more people who continue to face injustice.

In moments like these, I think about my grandma the strong, resilient matriarch of our family. I owe it to her to never stay silent, which is why I’m sharing my story with you. I hope that you’ll do what I cannot do: vote.

Vote to make our voices and stories visible. Vote to validate our experiences. Vote for a future that is just. Vote because you can.

With your vote, you have the chance to make a future that seems impossible possible, to make the stories of those who are invisible visible. I urge you to do so.

In solidarity,

Esperanza*

First-year College Student

*The Children’s Defense Fund has had the great privilege to meet and work with young people from all across the country, some of whom have chosen to share their stories with us. This young person has chosen to be identified by a pseudonym.

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