With empanadas, aguas frescas, churros, pastelitos, and cafecitos in hand, immigrant youth of United We Dream went to polling sites in Florida, Texas, and California to ensure every voter had enough fuel and energy to stay in line and make their vote count! Immigrant youth showed up to polling sites in these key states to ensure all voters could vote without intimidation and discrimination.
With the pandemic and deliberate barriers targeting Black and brown voters from day-long lines to attempts to eliminate drop off locations, United We Dream members wanted to make sure waiting in line on Election Day didn’t stop anyone from making their voices heard. Members handed out food and drinks, played music, and encouraged voters to stay in line to ensure that voting was safe, joyful, and celebrated.
“Growing up in a mixed-status family, I saw the struggles and risk of deportation my loved ones and community members faced living in border towns in Texas. While some of my family cannot vote, I can and I did so with them in mind,” said Norma Gonzalez, Texas Civic Engagement Coordinator with United We Dream member. “I know how important it was for me to cast my ballot. That’s why I wanted to make sure that voters at the polls felt empowered and energized to stay in line and make their vote count. Casting your ballot is more than just filling out a form; it’s about making sure your voice is heard. Now, we must make sure every vote is counted!”
“While some of my family cannot vote, I can and I did so with them in mind. I know how important it was for me to cast my ballot. Casting your ballot is more than just filling out a form; it’s about making sure your voice is heard.”
Norma Gonzalez, United We Dream
Stefani Davila, 17, United We Dream Florida member, said:
“I’m 17 and cannot vote, but it was important for me to show up at the polls to hand our empanadas and cafecito to Miami voters so they could make their voices heard this election! It is so important to me that everyone who is eligible to vote, can because my future is on the line too.”
United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation, a powerful network made up of over 400,000 members and 48 affiliate organizations across 26 states. UWD’s vision is to build a multi-racial, multi-ethnic movement of young people who organize and advocate at the local and national levels for the dignity and justice of immigrants and communities of color in the United States.
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