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Hi Trevor, this is Corinne, I really enjoyed reading what you wrote. You are very valid in what you think. Voting is extremely important to the future of our country. When I go to vote I often think about people in other countries who don't have an opinion on how they are governed and that's why I go and vote. This is what the situation was like for women in this country not too long ago and thankfully that has changed. If it hadn't I wouldn't be able to vote to see as I am a woman. I think women being given the ability to vote in the U.S. was the beginning of a huge domino effect that would span many decades. Women began to be recognized in all sorts of ways, especially in male-dominated fields. We even had Ruth Bader Ginsburg who was the first female justice on the Supreme Court. Then we had women dominate in male sports as well. One woman who broke the barrier would be Serena Williams who is now one of the best female tennis players in the world. It is in more recent years that we have had women break barriers in politics. For example, in the 1980s Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister ever in Great Britain. Sadly because of this she was always under negative fire from the media. This is now changing in America as well. As you mentioned we have our first female vice president ever in history. It is amazing how far we have come as a society when it comes to this issue but we still have a long way to go. The pay gap between men and women is still prevalent in the U.S. and other places in the world. Very slowly more and more people are coming around to the idea that this needs to change.

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Hi Trevor,

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Hi Trevor,

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Hello, my name is Corinne and I attend MCC. Growing up in America I was never really aware of all the resources that I had available to me. I never even realized how many resources are available to me by just being a U.S. citizen. Now that I am an adult and I have the ability to vote I finally understand what I have. I was also very sheltered growing up and didn't have a lot of other perspectives to compare to my own. This has changed in the past few years. I especially got a different perspective when I started dating my current boyfriend. He is Hispanic and his parents only speak Spanish. It has been a challenge to communicate but I learn a lot from his parents. One of the things I have learned is how hard it is for someone who is Hispanic to become a U.S. citizen. They have had friends who have been deported because someone reported them to ICE. Many of these people had children that were in need of care and were now without one or both parental figures. I also had a friend in high school who when through extreme emotional distress when her father decided to leave her and her mother and return to Mexico. He decided to do this because Trump had just become president and he was undocumented and didn't want to be forcibly deported. This was a lot to process for someone who is so young and still dealing with the stresses of schoolwork and not trying to give in to the emotions they are feeling. Being white I have heard other people talk negatively about Hispanic people before and saying they should "go back to their country." I think people who are born U.S. citizens don't realize what a privilege it is to have that automatically and not have to wait a decade or more to get a visa to be let in the country.

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Hi, my name is Eric Rodriguez and I go to Manchester Community College. Ever since I turned eighteen, I never really thought about the idea of going out and voting. During the election between Trump and Hillary, I did not really think too much about the outcome. I never thought that Trump would be the winner. I have always been a firm believer that my vote never mattered when it came down to things like this. In the end it is up to the electoral college to decide who they think is fit to lead this country. Even though Hillary won by popular vote, the electoral college went with Trump as the new president. Finally, after four years of being under Trumps run of presidency, I changed the way I used to think. On the very last day of being able to go out and vote I went with my sister and together we made sure our voices were heard. My sister recently turned 18 and together we were able to vote. Some people do not have the ability to vote due to legal issues, that is why I think that people who have the opportunity to vote should go out there and get it done. Our military men fought for our right to vote and it is our duty to do so. We owe them that much.

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What a great discussion! I am inspired that you all take the ability (or desire to vote if you are not yet eligible) seriously and the way you supported your ideas with timelines, articles, potential candidates, and more. Hannah's timeline specifically mentioned our state as being the first to eliminate the requirement that one be a property owner to vote. We can see that the ability to vote or the ability to prevent others from voting (disenfranchisement) goes back to the founding of our country. What an interesting month to discuss this topic, too! An interesting aspect in recent years' elections in NH and elsewhere has been the ability of college students to vote and rules about where they can or cannot vote, too. Thank you for your contributions!

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What does the 100th anniversary of women's gaining the right to vote and what does vote mean to me and to America. as someone who is a first-time voter as of the 2020 election this is a huge movement in America giving women the right to vote. when I got to vote on November 3rd, I was so excited to be the change in the world that we needed every vote count in that is truly surprising when you look at the numbers. When I was a junior in high school I participated in granite girl state which gave me a huge outlook on politics however not every woman is able to hear about these opportunities and I was really able to learn about politics that helped me vote leading up to it. my vote could change the future of my health care my safety of my body. However, it makes me wonder does my voice even matter as well as my vote because it all comes down to the electoral colleague however if it wasn't for that our society would fall apart. Although I'm not going to celebrate us having a woman vice president just yet because I want it to be fair and truthfully I think that a dynamic duo would be perfect in office and it's Candace Owens she's a strong female she wants what the people need especially young woman. We fought so hard to get women's right and it's crazy it's been only 100 years allowing women to voice their opinions. Abigail Manchester community college

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Hello I'm Alison Skare from Manchester Community College. As a women having the right to vote is so important to me and means many things. It first means that I, and other women, get a say in government and its policies. It means that I get a say in my future, and that I can choose people who resignate with me to be in office.  I think many of us take this opportunity to vote and being an American citizen for granted. Many people desire to live in a place where they have more of a say in  their government. This year was the first year I could vote and I found it so exciting. I felt important for having a say in the government, and the opportunity to vote who I wanted into office. I am happy to live in a place that gives me a voice and a vote toward my future.

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Hi Kennedy! Yes, I totally forgot that we finally have the first female vice president. It is crazy that it took 100 years to finally achieve this. Throughout history we can see woman fighting for their lives and rights, and I am so fortunate to have had these people fighting for our futures. We still haven’t had a female president, but all good things come with time, we don’t want to put just any female in office now. We have really made a lot of history this year, I am glad to be a part of it. You and I both haven’t really been into politics prior to this year, so maybe this year was necessary to bring people into this world, so our eyes are much more open to the future of our country. There are so many women that helped bring equality even to men, like Ruh Bader Ginsberg, who passed away earlier this year. Even though her advancements for this country wasn’t for voting, it was still for law. To see woman fighting for men and woman shows how united this country is. We are all fighting for each other, which is what this country is supposed to be. Madison Dube Manchester Community College

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Hi, my name is Madison Dube, and I’m from Manchester Community College. As a woman, being able to vote makes me feel like I matter in this country. It also gives me a say to how my home country is run and gives me more control of my life. I am 18 years old, and this year was the first year I have ever voted. I’ve never really gotten into politics until this year, and watching the debates and the many news articles, I would’ve felt so powerless if I wasn’t given the right to vote. It is every American’s right to have a say in their life and the future of their country, and as an American I am proud to have this right. Women’s rights have come really far in this country, and I am very happy that I have the freedom and rights that I do. It is hard to think about what it was like to be a woman in previous centuries, other than what is displayed in cinema, and these days people take what we have for granted, me included. I am so glad to be a part of a country that cares about my input and allows me to have more power in my choices. There is still voter suppression out there, but we already have come so far in these 100 years, that this problem is only minor compared to the many years prior. There will always be a need for improvement, but we as a country have always gotten through it. As a woman, I don’t feel like I am being suppressed, but pushed into making my opinion matter in the world. Because of this, I’m proud to be an American, and I’m proud of this country.

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I believe that voting is something that is  a special right that we get as United States Citizens. I have never payed much attention to politics. Since I am now able to vote, in the past few months I have started to pay more attention by watching presidential debates and following what every candidate said and did. After becoming more involved in following politics I have realized how lucky I am to have the right to vote. Since initially woman were not allowed to vote. Woman once not being able to vote is due to the believe that men were superior to women. Seeing woman fighting for equal rights all across the nation and creating history is very inspirational to young woman all around the world. Whether you support Biden and Harris of not, it is very exciting to live in a time when the first woman was elected into office as the Vice President. This shows young woman not only in the U.S but all around the world, to never give up in the face of fear and that when you keep pursuing your dreams you can make history. Kennedy Kelly MCC

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Hello Lauren Delude, this is Matthew Frost from MCC. I really enjoyed your post and appreciated that you not only talked about voting, but how important it is for women to run for office and set positive examples for others. You had me thinking about my two girls (one just turned 1 and the other is turning 4) and how I try to both set and provide positive examples for them. I think it is important for us to see women in politics because it allows young girls to look up to these figures, and helps kids to dream bigger and see more jobs and practically attainable instead of something they could never do.  I really hope Kamala Harris provides this for so many children. The second reason i think it is important to have these examples is because during the primary I caught myself thinking that even though there were many female candidates fighting for the presidency; none of them really stood a chance of winning. This bothered me and i tried to analyze the source of these thoughts. I think i was falling prey to interpreting the actions of some of the women as negative, while interpreting the same actions as positive with the men. For instance I may have seen one person as bold or daring, while another person as presumptive or brash. I think that the more role models we have and the more self-checking of our perceptions that we engage in, the more likely it will be that women succeed in their respective fields, and things will be more evenly balanced. This is crucial because while the right to vote is a tremendously important thing it is equally important to be able to vote for people who will uphold your interests. While others may support you when it makes sense for them, only people in your shoes both in gender and race will fight for you with fervor when the decision to make the right choice becomes tough and inconvenient. Only truly diverse officials can accurately represent the diversity in our nation.

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Hello Marissa Milonas

I can identify and relate to the way that you used to think about politics/voting vote when you said, “any information pertaining to the American government was honestly quite boring to me.” This statement is very similar to the way that I used to think about this topic. Yet, as we grow and learn we begin to understand how important it is to have basic information on these important topics. I considered myself to not be too much of a political person, but I think it is important to stay informed. Everyone with the ability to vote must educate themselves and learn more about the candidates and what they stand for.

You also brought up an interesting point about the constitution and the rights for voting, “when the United States Constitution was originally written, it did not define who could or not vote.” Probably to be a woman or a black person during this era meant that you did not “count” as a person that could vote. However, nowadays, it seems that many people have forgotten the importance of voting. It is important to remember the struggle some people had to gain this right, and exercises our own right to vote this day in age.

I liked the way you said, “I believe that voting is extremely important.” Sometimes people go and vote just because they think it is an obligation. In fact, we must remember that one’s vote is one of the most important and basic rights a person can have. Voting means the power to choose or remove a President or any other politician, or approve or disapprove of a law, it is a beautiful expression of democracy.

Thanks!!

Carlos

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Hi, Hannah Martinez. I'm Michel from MCC, and I would just like to say that that the timeline you linked really helped me understand the history of voting in the United States. I read through the whole thing and it made me realize that women had been trying to vote way before the 19th Amemndement was passed in 1920. Not only women, though, but millions and millions of other people were not allowed to vote then, including Native Americans, people of other races (even if they were citizens), not to mention that there were laws prohibiting individuals of certain ancestries from naturalising and becoming cititzens, effectively denying their right to vote. Further, when African Americans were finally given the constitutional right to vote, other legislations, such as voting taxes and literacy tests, were enacted that implicitly denied certain ethnicities and races to vote. To this day (or at least as of 2013), according to the timeline, "voter suppression tactics, including purging voter rolls, imposing strict voter identification laws, limiting the number of polling locations and cutting voting times, effectively deny countless Americans the right to vote." I never truly realized the importance of being able to vote, the privilege it is. Thank you so much for providing that timeline! It was really helpful and insightful, and I encourage everyone to take a look at it.

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I believe that this is very special and not just for only the women in this country but for all Americans. I believe that this brings us that much closer and especially with the tough times that we have been in for a while now this is what we need. Women deserve the right to anything that a man can have in this country, we all walk on the same world and breathe the same air therefore I believe the rights should be the same. I feel as though many of us Americans take voting and our citizenship for granted, we see it as a job, not freedom. Some people that I know don't vote because they are too lazy to drive to where the voting is taking place. I definitely take a lot of things for granted and with this whole Covid-19 thing I really got to realize that. Having the right to citizenship and vote in this country is such a privilege and I feel that all of us, myself included need to stop taking it for granted.                      Anthony Spinelli / MCC

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My name is Trevor Michon and I attend Manchester Community College. To me, the ability to vote is extremely important, as it is one of the most direct ways that I (and many others) can participate in our system of government have representation in the process of democracy. Initially women did not have this right, and it was denied to them for a very long time. This was due to incorrect assumptions about the abilities of women, and because the people who could vote did not want to have the power that they wielded over the opposite sex taken away. Now there are many women in positions of power all over the world. Our vice-president is a woman now! There are also many women who have amassed great fortunes by starting their own company. Hopefully this trend of equality among men and women will continue to rise.

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My name is Michel Flores Vedana and I go to Manchester Community College. I am not a woman, I am not American, and I cannot vote. I came from Brazil to the United States just a little over 3 years ago on a student visa. Citizenship is something my family and I have been working on for a little while now. Soon, I will be able to work, but it will take some time until I become an American citizen and can vote. I am never going to be a woman though. I do, however, recognize how big of an accomplishment it was when women could finally vote. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote is really something to be happy about! We have come far in terms of gender equality. However, there is still a long way to go, especially when talking about non-binary genders. I do think that people should all be treated equally and have the same rights as everyone else, regardless of color, ethnicity, and gender. Granting women the right to vote was a big step in the right direction, but it is a fact that, on many occasions, women are paid less than men for doing the same job (https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/reports/2020/03/24/482141/quick-facts-gender-wage-gap/), as if they were less efficient. This gender wage gap is further increased with ethnicity, color, etc. I believe that this gap will decrease and, hopefully in the near future, be completely eliminated. We almost had a female president and now we have a Black South Asian female vice-president. The future does look promising.

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Hello, my name is Hannah Martinez and I go to Manchester Community College. Growing up no one around me had ever talked about voting or politics or even how to research every candidate properly. So, when I finally turned eighteen and I could vote, I was really confused and did not really understand anything, or even really appreciate the fact that I get to vote. Then all of a sudden everyone around me cares about politics and everyone is talking about voting, and I still did not really get it. Then I did a research paper on the 19th amendment. This really helped me understand why being able to vote is so important and such a privilege, and especially as a woman, I understood why I should exercise that right that I have. I was able to see a bit into what very strong women in the past went through so that I would be able to have this opportunity. I am still learning a lot about everything that has to do with politics, but I now realize why my vote matters. Women gaining the right to vote was a major accomplishment for not only women, but this country as well. Although, if you go through a timeline/history of voting and how we got to where we are now, you would see how much growth has been done even going farther back than when women gained the right to vote. A lot of it is shocking, and race always played a big part in if people were allowed to vote or even become citizens of this country. Almost everyone at one point in time, especially people of color, would have been denied the right to vote, and just knowing that fact is enough to make me understand an realize that, even though this country and the people living in it still have a lot of growing to do, we have come a very long way.

I wanted to link this timeline I saw:

https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2016/us-elections-2016-who-can-vote/index.html

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Hi Matt Frost! My name is Lauren Delude and I also attend Manchester Community College. I really enjoyed reading your response. I want to thank you for telling us a little bit about your background and how voting is so important to you.  I don not blame you for feeling cut off because you were allowed to vote in the United States due to having a green card.  I am sure that is how many people are feeling when they don't get to voice their opinions and have it truly mean something like voting in an election.  I have never personally felt this way so it was nice to read your response and get an idea about how that felt! Thank you again for sharing your story and opinion on voting.

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On the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, what does voting (or citizenship) mean to you and to America?

My name is Lauren Delude and I attend Manchester Community College. My major is in business studies and I hope to transfer to SNHU next fall. On August 18, 1920 they added the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution for women's right to vote. One of the biggest moments in this nation’s history is when women finally gained the right to vote in the United States.  Being a female myself I never would think of a time I wouldn’t be allowed to voice my opinion in an election, so this day does make an impact on me.  Before this men and women were not equal in many aspects and gaining this right was a big deal to everyone.

I believe that everyone should be created equal because in reality we are all human and deserve the same treatment as the person next to you regardless of gender, or skin color. I could not imagine living in a life were because I was a female, I did not get the same rights or respect as men. Being able to vote allows women to have a voice and be able to choose which ever candidate they want and be a part of the election.

I believe the world would be a vastly different place now if women were still not allowed to vote.  Women would not be involved in the government or even be high up in major companies.  We still have not had a female president, but Hillary Clinton was allowed to run only 4 years ago.  The nation is still changing and will continue to change as long as it is around.  One day I do hope that there will be a female president and she will

continue to help this nation become better and prove that all people should be equal. Equality is so important and even today men and women are still not always treated the same. For example, a lot of men get higher wages than women even though they are preforming the same job and tasks on a regular basis.  This is unfair in my opinion. Although on the other hand during this election a black female ran with Joe Biden and is now the Vice President of the United States.  Having women be involved in politics is a huge step for women everywhere.  Females being able to vote has changed the world for the better and I am proud to be able to have a voice and an opinion that can actually make a difference in the world today.

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Carlos Carrasco,

I found your views on this topic very fascinating. I especially enjoyed your statement “Though both genders may have differences, they have the same value as a human being.” I definitely agree that gender should not matter in how one is treated. It was really refreshing to hear a male reiterate the fact that women have dealt with inequality and prejudice in the past (and still deal with it to this day) and that it was not right, just simply how society was at that time. It is a nice reminder that it is not men versus women, instead just one big community trying to right the wrongs of our country’s past and eliminate some of the sexism that is still lingering in society today. When I vote I always think about the fact that if it were 100 years ago that would not be possible. I even encourage people, especially women, to vote to honor those who spoke up and fought for women to have a right to vote.

I also like the fact that you mentioned that you hope the nation will continue to move in the right direction, implying that there is still work that needs to be done to eliminate sexism, and I completely agree. Just a few examples of some of the inequalities that women still face are: women are still being paid less wages than men for doing the same exact jobs, women pay more for the same everyday items because of the "pink tax", which is the name that refers to products for women that are in a "feminine" color, and they are often pricier than the men's equivalent product, and women have more pressure put on their appearances, which can have a negative effect on their mental health (especially young girls/teenagers).

-Marissa Milonas- Manchester Community College

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My name is Marissa Milonas, and I am a student at Manchester Community College. For as long as I can remember, any information pertaining to the American government was honestly quite boring to me. It always just seemed like a topic that I was required to learn about for school. It was not until recently, when I was old enough to vote, that I started learning more about the government, and I became more interested in politics. Now I know the value of the information that I was taught when I was younger and how it pertains to life.

I think that voting is something that many people take for granted because today, probably because most American citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in elections. Voting was not always like this though; when the United States Constitution was originally written, it did not define who could or could not vote. Since the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this was a choice left for the states to decide. They decided that white men were eligible to vote, while white women and black people could not partake in elections. While sexism is still an issue in our country, America definitely took a step in the right direction 100 years ago when women finally got the right to vote and I will always use the vote that Suffragettes fought for during that time.

Some people may think that voting seems insignificant, but I believe that voting is extremely important as it allows the voices of citizens to be heard. It is a great reminder that we live in a free, democratic country that is ruled by the people and for the people, rather than a tyrannical or dictatorial country where citizens have absolutely no say. Even though there are still inequalities like sexism, racism, and homophobia, at least all citizens have the equal power to vote and create change that can better our country.

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Thank you, Matthew, Carlos, Timothy, and Brian, for starting this week's conversation. Your ideas about rights and duties, liberty, and even developing our own sense of identity as a voting citizen in the U.S., separate from our parents' or family's ideas, really moved me. In my classes this week, several students said they voted for the first time this year, and I've heard stories of going back to their old schools to vote and being part of the big decisions for our cities, towns, states, and country.

I appreciated Timothy's urging us all to "get off our butts and do something." I know of at least two NH community college graduates who were on the ballot yesterday, one of whom we know was re-elected as a state rep. I know another NHTI grad who is now a federal judge and takes seriously that responsibility in what we might call civic life. I wonder if you've had that experience of returning to an old school and voting there as an adult.

Of course, as a professor of American literature and women's studies, I am aware that even when the 19th amendment passed, not all women won the right to vote. Native Americans were not eligible then to become U.S. citizens and could not vote. In 1924, many gained that right; however, literacy tests, poll taxes, and even an address on a reservation were used to prevent many Native Americans from voting. Voting history, turnout numbers, etc., are a fascinating part of U.S. history to explore.

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My name is Brian St. Hilarie and I attend Manchester Community College. For me voting is very important. When I was in high school I really didn't care to much about voting mainly because my family doesn't vote at all. Once I turned 18 years old I started to really focus more on the voting process and starting seeing what these presidential candidates have to say. In society it is known for men to be like the dominant so we need to appreciate women more and how much of a say they have in voting. It would be interesting to have a women president one day especially because she would be the first us women president.                                                               Voting in America is very important for Americans. Your vote could affect who the next president could be so it is very important that you vote. Their are different parties with candidates who have different ideas. It is your job to read about these ideas to help you in choosing who you vote for. Before I vote I look at all the ideas and choose the one I best think would be fit to run the country and whose ideas would be beneficial to me in the long run.

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MATTHEW FROST – Hello! I really appreciated your unique perspectives on voting and what it means to be an American citizen. This statement especially hit home for me: “As an immigrant with a green card I could not vote, and for a while I felt like this meant that my opinion was a little less than others, or more specifically that my thoughts were not as relevant since I was unable to practically apply them.” It really is difficult to be part of a situation that you feel no control over changing—I know I’ve experienced that in other areas of my life. Voting is not just a privilege, it’s a duty that we as Americans share. One other statement of yours really stuck out at me: “I feel that if I don’t act now to exert my viewpoint by both voting as well as volunteering where I can, then I won’t have the right later to criticize the outcome.” This is something we as Americans conveniently forget. We love to whine and complain when things don’t go our way, yet we’re not invested enough in our own nation to get off our butts and do something about it. I completely agree with you—if you’re not willing to contribute to the solution, you’re part of the problem. I’d even argue this—don’t stop with voting or volunteering. New Hampshire is unique in the fact that we have 400 members within our House of Representatives—so if you want to work at making changes within your state, running for state rep is a great way to start! Other than this addition, I think you did an excellent job explaining and supporting your various points. I especially commend your efforts in becoming invested in politics and making changes for the better, not just on the Federal level, but at the local and state levels as well. Great job on your post!

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My name is Timothy Bartlett, and I'm a student at Manchester Community College. From its inception, America was destined to be unique. Created by individuals desiring freedom of religion, America was a land of opportunity. Not satisfied with remaining under the rule of the British Empire, America declared that everyone should have the right to life, liberty, and property, and miraculously cast off the shackles of their oppressors. America became United, assembled a Constitution that has stood for over 230 years, and set in place a government whose elected officials are to represent the American people.

But not everyone had a voice. Women were not allowed to vote until a hundred years ago, where they too proved that they were citizens and deserved a say in the affairs of the United States. This was a huge victory and paved the way for other groups to make sure their voices were heard. And now, on the eve of yet another presidential election, America must make a choice once again.

And no, it’s not a matter of whether America elects Donald Trump or Joe Biden. Gone are the days where Americans acted as one. We don’t help our fellow countrymen and few can entertain ideas without accepting them. Everywhere you look, people are divided along arbitrary lines and arguing that their way is the only correct way. A lot of these battle lines are drawn by artificial means—by news outlets, social media and vocal individuals. I suppose people feel a sense of community when allied with others who are just like them – it’s like they’ve never left their high school cliques.

But they’re missing the point. Being an American citizen isn’t about proclaiming “it’s my way or the highway.” It isn’t about excluding someone based on a criteria you don’t like. And it certainly isn’t about turning a blind eye to what’s going on in your country. Our hard-fought freedoms are quickly slipping away. And I fear that when these people wake up, they will not recognize the country they see. Being an American citizen is believing everyone has the right to life, liberty, and property. It’s about fighting alongside people you don’t necessarily agree with in order to defend their freedom of expression (because it’s your freedom too). Above all, it’s every citizen standing united on the principle that made this country as wonderful and unique as it is.

Liberty.

And that’s what being an American citizen means to me.

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Hello everyone.
I am Carlos Carrasco and I attend Manchester Community College.

Women and men have been present throughout history, one cannot exist without the other. However, over the years and through history women have been seen as inferior or less important than men. That does not mean that this idea was right, however it was accepted by many. Women have the same importance and authority as men. Though both genders may have differences, they have the same value as a human being.

At the start of the Women’s Rights movement, some men strived to uphold their higher position in society. However triumphantly, through peaceful protests and inspiring rhetoric, the petition of women's rights was heard and accepted 100 years ago. These petitions were about equally for everyone, and rights of a women to be equal to a man.

Today, having the ability to vote means equality and democracy for everyone. Every person has the power to choose the candidate that they believe is the right person to govern the nation. Voting means freedom, voting is the voice of society.

As we prepare for elections in this country, we also celebrate the 100-year anniversary of passing the act that allowed women to vote. This act not only changed a women’s position in society and her rights to an education or equal pay, but also changed politics. Once women started voting, their voice was heard. This is part of a high and powerful democracy, that opens doors and gives freedom to every person in a nation.

Now, women have the opportunity to choose and be chosen, meaning that women can also change this nation. In addition, women began to hold positions within politics.  In this election, there is the opportunity for a Black female to be vice president of the nation for the first time, showing that democracy and women’s rights has continued to develop over the past 100 years. Hopefully, the nation will continue to move in a forward direction, upholding the rights of all people.

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My name is Matthew Frost and I attend Manchester Community College. Citizenship and voting is and always will be something very important to me. When I first immigrated to America I came over on a visa that did not allow me to work. I moved halfway through my Junior year of high school and the transition was a tough one. I worked part time as a janitor after school until I was able to transition over to a green card. This finally allowed me to work legitimately and to be conscripted into the army if necessary; a legitimate concern at the time given that 9/11 had just happened and many were unsure exactly how the United States would proceed. Fortunately, that ended up not being a concern, and so I continued on to university.

While I was studying at university I listened to politics and saw many of my friends talk about voting and influencing political issues and I always felt cut off from the conversation. As an immigrant with a green card I could not vote, and for a while I felt like this meant that my opinion was a little less than others, or more specifically that my thoughts were not as relevant since I was unable to practically apply them. Then I met Professor Phillips. I was studying Psychology and working full time at a Psychiatric Hospital to help pay my way. She was particularly interested in the Free Air Bill that was under consideration in Massachusetts, and decided to take some of her students with her to the State House to hear the Special Committee for Psychiatric Issues debate the matter. This was my first real experience observing politics and I saw people from all walks of life testify; there were former patients, the head of a hospital, a spokesperson from a psychiatric organization, and then my professor spoke. I learned that day that even without the ability to vote, there were many different ways that we can make our thoughts and concerns heard.

Voting is a privilege that I can and do currently express, but I think that we as Americans can’t stop there. It is our duty to vote in local and state elections, as well as talk to our governors or learn how we can stand up for the things that we hold dear to ourselves. We are living in a time where there is a confluence of disharmonious viewpoints which means that the direction we are heading as a nation is not yet set in stone. I feel that if I don't act now to exert my viewpoint by both voting as well as volunteering where I can, then I won't have the right later to criticize the outcome. I also believe that when folks choose not to vote they are letting others make their decisions for them. This will always be a dangerous gamble, because the less people vote the more people are not having their opinions heard. It is more likely that bills passed will reflect only the voting minority, and not all Americans who will be impacted by laws that are passed. Because of this I believe it is the right and duty of all American’s to vote and express their viewpoints.

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Welcome to a cross-college conversation between NH community college and University of New Hampshire students! Every two weeks a new discussion prompt will post. Please be reflective and respectful in your initial post and in responses to others. You can include websites, pictures, and other media in your post. PLEASE TYPE YOUR NAME and COLLEGE in your RESPONSE. We welcome your thoughts and the sharing of perspectives!

November 2: On the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, what does voting (or citizenship) mean to you and to America?