Neighbor Stories: “My First Vote” - Jaz Gonzalez

Interview by L ShoulterKarall

For Jaz Gonzalez, 2020 has been a tumultuous year. She finished her senior year and graduated from Northside Prep in the midst of a global pandemic. She also voted for the first time! 

I asked her about her experience as a first time voter. Jaz recalled that she voted for Bernie Sanders, as well as candidates for other local offices:

“Bernie was all for health care and supporting the middle class which is something I strongly support!”

Jaz encouraged her friends to vote my posting on Snapchat, telling them that voting is fun and showing them her I Voted bracelet. She also used her newly informed feelings about the importance of voting to encourage her family to vote. 

“In March, my dad did not want to go out and vote because of the whole COVID situation. I told him we take the same risk going to the grocery store!” 

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), young people’s participation is crucial for strengthening our democracy - and their votes can decide the election! 

Key issues for young people affordable health care, gun violence, immigration, climate change and the economy. Jaz will be voting in November, either in-person or by mail and she believes that everyone should vote. 

“If you decide to vote in person, take all the precautions you need - but make sure you do vote!”