Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead
WHY DO YOU FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO VOTE?
"The standard answer to this is “if you don’t vote, don’t complain”, and although I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment it is so much more! When you don’t vote you actually give away your power. Voting is the currency of politics. Voting is Power. When communities vote, their voices are heard. Politicians listen, they respond, when votes matter! It is our civic duty, our responsibility to participate. So many fought with their lives for this simple privilege, how can we just shrug our shoulders and not recognize the impact of apathy!
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION TO VOTING/ELECTIONS?
"I have previously served as the elected President of the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia. Today, I proudly serve as the Director of Elections and Voter Services for Montgomery County PA."
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH VOTING AND ELECTIONS?
"My mother made it a point to take me with her to vote as early as infancy, let alone her bringing me to marches and protests for womens rights and other issues she was passionate about. She instilled in me at an early age, the responsibility to participate, never abandon your rights, to be vocal concerning any injustice and to always be proud of being a woman and never to forget the struggles to get to where we are…and know, we still have a long road to travel to equality… but we WILL get there! She was forever an optimist."
Since eligible, have you ever not voted?
"NEVER!"
"The standard answer to this is “if you don’t vote, don’t complain”, and although I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment it is so much more! When you don’t vote you actually give away your power. Voting is the currency of politics. Voting is Power. When communities vote, their voices are heard. Politicians listen, they respond, when votes matter! It is our civic duty, our responsibility to participate. So many fought with their lives for this simple privilege, how can we just shrug our shoulders and not recognize the impact of apathy!
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION TO VOTING/ELECTIONS?
"I have previously served as the elected President of the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia. Today, I proudly serve as the Director of Elections and Voter Services for Montgomery County PA."
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH VOTING AND ELECTIONS?
"My mother made it a point to take me with her to vote as early as infancy, let alone her bringing me to marches and protests for womens rights and other issues she was passionate about. She instilled in me at an early age, the responsibility to participate, never abandon your rights, to be vocal concerning any injustice and to always be proud of being a woman and never to forget the struggles to get to where we are…and know, we still have a long road to travel to equality… but we WILL get there! She was forever an optimist."
Since eligible, have you ever not voted?
"NEVER!"
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE WHO ARE RELUCTANT TO VOTE?
"YOUR ancestors fought, often times with their lives for the simple right to vote. Women, minorities, 18 year olds, had to win a real battle just to participate in electing the people who create and enfore the laws that guide our lives. It’s the fundamental core of our democracy, our simple right to vote. It’s a moment in time that can truly impact their entire lives. Participate! Don’t give someone else your power! This is a simple right, a privilege that so many in other countries do not even have."
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO SAYS THAT ONE VOTE DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
"If they are in Philadelphia they may remember how only 1 vote per precinct in the PA house district REMOVED the sitting Speaker of the House John Perzel. ONE VOTE can make a difference."
WHAT IS THE GREATEST LENGTH YOU HAVE EVER GONE TO IN ORDER TO CAST A VOTE?
"Not for me, but for my mom. She was determined to vote. She was hospitalized for the 2011 elections, but asked me to get her an absentee application. I sat with her to complete this. She participated in her civic duty, with the passion and fervor she always expressed, especially during a presidential election, even at the end of her life. She passed away only 1 week after the election."
"YOUR ancestors fought, often times with their lives for the simple right to vote. Women, minorities, 18 year olds, had to win a real battle just to participate in electing the people who create and enfore the laws that guide our lives. It’s the fundamental core of our democracy, our simple right to vote. It’s a moment in time that can truly impact their entire lives. Participate! Don’t give someone else your power! This is a simple right, a privilege that so many in other countries do not even have."
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO SAYS THAT ONE VOTE DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
"If they are in Philadelphia they may remember how only 1 vote per precinct in the PA house district REMOVED the sitting Speaker of the House John Perzel. ONE VOTE can make a difference."
WHAT IS THE GREATEST LENGTH YOU HAVE EVER GONE TO IN ORDER TO CAST A VOTE?
"Not for me, but for my mom. She was determined to vote. She was hospitalized for the 2011 elections, but asked me to get her an absentee application. I sat with her to complete this. She participated in her civic duty, with the passion and fervor she always expressed, especially during a presidential election, even at the end of her life. She passed away only 1 week after the election."
