Why I vote
(by Angelo Merendino/S4C Cleveland)
This series, “Why I Vote,” grew out of a collaboration with Danielle Sydnor, President of The Cleveland NAACP.
Earlier this year I photographed Danielle for Cleveland Magazine, and after her story was published I told her I’d love to work together on a future project. This led to a brainstorming call during which Danielle came up with the idea of asking people why they vote.
From there the project evolved into the idea of having myself and three other photographers each photograph eight different people. We wanted our list to be diverse in age, ethnicity, background and gender.
We posted the first portrait on October 6th, the first day that voting opens in Ohio, and we will continue to post a different portrait every day up until the Election Day.
Each portrait is accompanied by the sitter’s reason for voting.
Robert Madison
I fought a war in Italy.
I built an embassy in Senegal.
I studied in France.
There is no country where I have lived has to vote like here in America. This is the most precious privilege I have and will vote all the time no matter the circumstances.
Thank you
Carlos Jones
To not exercise your right to vote is to disregard and disrespect the legacy and struggles of those people much braver than us who fought, bled and even died to secure that right. It's like saying yeah I've been given legs but I'm not going to bother walking. That way you are sure to not get anywhere, you just stay stuck in the same place. You've been given a voice if you don't use it you won't be heard. How do you think you would feel if all of a sudden these things were taken away? Well there are those who want to do just that - don't assist them.
Lillian Kuri
I vote because my parents immigrated from Lebanon so I could have a better life, especially as a woman. I don’t take that for granted.
Sidney Kuri
I vote to protect a future that doesn’t deny our countries history, and that works to rectify it.
Jim Finley
I vote to protect a future that doesn’t deny our countries history, and that works to rectify it.
Wayne Dawson
I vote to honor the efforts and the legacy of those who’ve gone before me, those who’ve protested and struggled, those who’ve died to maintain this constitutional right. I vote to make a difference.
Dee Perry
I see what a vote can do to change things for the better, or for the worse, and this year I’m voting with folks who are standing to change things for the better.
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