SABRINA RODRIGUEZ, ABC40
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Tuesday’s Primary is in the record books, and voter turnout was less than desired, a fact that’s not sitting well with people.
“We need to be recognized, there needs to be a change,” said 18 year old, Kory Rainville, a newly registered voter.
The idea of change is what brought a group of students from Springfield’s High School of Commerce together, and those that were eligible registered to vote.
The effort was organized by Springfield ACORN and national non-profit Project Vote.
Hina Sheikh is community organizer with ACORN and says their goal is simple. “To reach out to young voters or non-voters and get them to become voters. Also inform them, give them statistics about what’s happening in the United States and why people aren’t voting and how important it is to get out.”
As it turns out, many of the students know the importance of voting.
“A lot of people complain, ‘Hey things are not working out, it’s not helping us.’ But they actually got to get out there, do something for something to change,” said 19 year old Juan Mejia.
18 year old Christopher Rios feels the same as his classmate. “Without our voices we can’t really do anything.”
And each of the students has their own reason for heading to the polls.
“My hope is for the economy to get a lot better. So a lot of small businesses can actually work out,” said Mejia.
Rainville’s focus is slightly different, “If all the youth in America get together and they vote and we recognize our potential we could make a change and see a difference. Maybe it’ll be safe to walk down the streets and get to school or get to work.”
While it’s not known how many of these students will actually vote on November 4th, just about every one them is registered, and that in itself is a start.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of change,” said Rios. “This election, I know a lot more people just registered so it’s going to be a lot different.”
“I’m a 100% positive I’m going to get out to vote,” said Rainville.
And to make it a little easier for the young voters to get to the polls, Springfield ACORN will be calling these students the week of the election to remind them to vote. They will even provide rides to the polling stations on Election Day.
Watch the abc40 video here.