Claiming the American Dream, One Vote at a Time 🇺🇸

I was born in Quezon City, Philippines, but my journey really started at just seven months old, when my family and I boarded a plane to New York City with little more than hope and determination. Growing up as a bi-racial kid in a family of immigrants, I quickly felt both the weight and wonder of what it means to be American. My parents instilled in me that the opportunities here were rare and fragile. They reminded me that the chance to dream big, to change the direction of my life, wasn’t something they had growing up.

Even though I spent my entire life here, it wasn’t until I became a U.S. citizen that I truly felt a sense of belonging and ownership in this country. That day wasn’t just about a ceremony or a certificate; it was a declaration that this was my home, too, and that I now held the rights and responsibilities to help shape it. Voting became more than just a civic duty; it was my way of honoring the sacrifices that brought me here, the hard work that helped me climb out of a low-income neighborhood, and the dreams that led me to an Ivy League education and, eventually, a successful career.

To me, voting is about protecting these opportunities not just for myself but for everyone who shares this dream. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter where we start, the path to a better future is possible – and it’s our duty to keep it open for others.

🗳️ The Journey to Voting Rights: A History of Resilience and Sacrifice

Voting might feel like a given today, but it hasn’t always been within reach for everyone. At America’s founding, voting was a privilege reserved for a very specific group: white, property-owning men. Women, people of color, and those without property were left out of this basic right. But over generations, individuals and movements refused to accept this exclusion. Change came slowly, with progress fueled by grit and relentless advocacy.

The 15th Amendment in 1870 extended the right to vote to Black men, and 50 years later, the 19th Amendment finally gave women the right to vote. But even with these gains, the battle for true equality continued. The Civil Rights Movement, driven by countless individuals who risked everything, led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, dismantling legal barriers like literacy tests and poll taxes that had kept Black Americans from voting.

Today, while many Americans view voting as a fundamental right, it’s a privilege that millions around the world are denied. In some countries, elections are either tightly controlled or exist in name only. Even where voting exists, corrupt regimes often manipulate results, discouraging people from even participating. For those of us who have the power to vote freely, it’s a reminder of how lucky we are and how important it is to protect this freedom.

The history of voting in America is one of resilience – of people who fought to ensure that the right to vote belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few.

🗳️ The Electoral College: Why Every Vote Still Counts

In the U.S., electing a president doesn’t happen through a straightforward popular vote – instead, we have the Electoral College, a system that assigns each state a certain number of “electoral votes” based on its population. It’s a unique approach, created by the founders to balance influence between populous and less-populous states, and it has been both praised and criticized over the years. This system sometimes results in a candidate winning the presidency without the popular vote, as we saw in 2000 and 2016, which can make people feel that their individual votes don’t carry as much weight.

But every vote matters, especially in swing states, where even a slight shift in voter turnout can influence the Electoral College outcome. Even if the system feels flawed, participating is still essential. The reality is that, with each election, our voices have the power to shape policies, set new priorities, and influence the direction of the nation for years to come.

Voting within the current system also allows us to work toward change – including the possibility of reforming the Electoral College itself. Electing leaders who prioritize updating this system could bring us closer to a more straightforward democracy, where every vote counts equally. For now, our votes remain our most direct way to affect who leads our country and what kind of future we’re building together.

🗺️ Gerrymandering: The Quiet Manipulation of Voter Power

One of the most subtle yet impactful threats to fair representation in America is gerrymandering. This practice allows politicians to redraw voting districts in a way that favors one political party, often giving incumbents “safe seats” by clustering or dividing communities in ways that weaken opposing voices. By manipulating district boundaries, politicians can essentially pick their voters, rather than the other way around. This distorts the electoral process, creating scenarios where the distribution of power doesn’t accurately reflect the will of the people.

Gerrymandering can make people feel like their vote won’t matter, but this is exactly why showing up to the polls is so crucial. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to push back against these tactics, keeping representatives accountable to the public they serve. When voter turnout is strong, it becomes harder for these manipulations to go unnoticed or uncontested, and our collective voices become louder.

Through our votes, we can advocate for fairer, more transparent districting practices and support leaders committed to ending gerrymandering. Every election, we get a chance to remind those in power that they work for us – and that our voices, no matter how they may try to shape the districts, will still be heard.

🤲 Voting: A Personal Privilege, A Collective Responsibility

For me, voting is much more than just a task on Election Day; it’s a privilege that I had to earn. When I became a U.S. citizen, I didn’t just gain the right to vote – I gained a role in shaping the country I call home. Growing up as the child of immigrants, I understood from an early age that the opportunities I’ve had here are rare. For many people in other countries, this type of self-determination is a luxury they’ll never have, and I’m deeply aware that the American Dream is fragile and hard-fought.

Voting is a personal responsibility, but it’s also a collective one. By voting, we protect not only our own rights but also the rights of others who may feel voiceless or marginalized. Each vote cast is a step toward a more equitable society, where all voices are valued. When we show up to the polls, we don’t just make our voices heard; we strengthen the foundation of democracy itself. It’s through this act of collective participation that we keep the American Dream alive, ensuring that the opportunities I’ve been so grateful for are accessible to all who seek them.

📚 Essential Reads: Why Voting is Non-Negotiable

Two recent books I’ve read, “Shameless” by Brian Tyler Cohen and “A Return to Common Sense” by Leigh McGowan, dive into why voting is critical to protecting our democracy. Both authors break down the ongoing fight for voting rights and the impact of each election on our nation’s direction, showing that voting is about far more than just choosing a candidate – it’s about shaping our future. These reads are powerful reminders of the importance of each ballot cast and the influence it holds in our collective story.

📢 A Final Word: Your Vote is Your Voice

If you haven’t already, go out and vote! Today is Election Day, and this is your chance to make your voice heard. Be part of the solution, a safeguard for our future, and a defender of democracy.

No matter your political beliefs, voting is the clearest way to influence the future of our country. Each ballot is a personal statement, a stand for what you believe, and a reminder that democracy is only as strong as those who actively take part. Collectively, our votes keep the American Dream alive, ensuring that opportunities remain open to everyone who calls this country home.

So today, and every election going forward, make it your duty to show up—not just for yourself but for every American and every American immigrant, like my 6-year-old self, who needs to believe and understand that they, too, can be part of this amazing American experiment we call our home. This year, especially, democracy itself is on the line. Voting is our way of honoring those who fought for this right and securing it for generations to come. Remember: your voice matters. Use it to shape the future for everyone who believes and wants a truly better America!