Congrats! I know the feeling. My family moved to the US in 98 when I was 12 and my first time voting as a US citizen was in 2016. I dropped off my ballot today at my local voting center. I was also so happy to see how busy it was. A lot of people are turning out to vote early. Hi from Philadelphia! :)
Aw, as soon as I heard what this video was about I started tearing up. Such an important video! So happy for you to be able to have your voice heard and awesome that you are encouraging everyone else to do the same.
I got to see a high school friend become a citizen at her naturalization ceremony a couple years ago and it was amazing. This video is making me tear up. Congratulations and thank you for using your voice to vote!
I have a similar story. I emigrated to the US from Jamaica in ‘95 when I was 7 yrs old. My mom came to the US when I was still an infant to make a living for my sisters and I. After a long process, I officially got my citizenship last year, July 2019 and I am happy to vote in my first presidential election this year.
Raya 🥺😩😍✊🏽 I started tearing up the first 30 seconds of this video to full on crying by the end. I'm so happy for you. You and your family deserve this. Thank you for using your voice to make a difference. I left the states this year to live abroad because there is so much wrong with the US (police brutality, racism, corruption, cost of living, etc). I am living in Tanzania right now and for the first time since I've left I am really coming to the understanding of how much privilege and access I have as a US Citizen. It's so easy to take this privilege for granted when you're just given it and it's all you've known. I was going back and forth about voting abroad, but you inspired me to use my voice even when I'm not there because like you said, the US affects the whole world.
You have an impact, Raya! It is incredible and you being emotional made me emotional too! It is so powerful and I am so happy that you got what you've wanted for so long 💙
I'm so happy for you! And I did not realize requesting an absentee ballot was going to be that easy, since I am currently not in the same state as where I'm registered. I had been putting it off and putting it off just because I didn't realize it was only going to take like 2 minutes and my mental health has not been the best. Thank you for that link! And now I have that off of my to-do list and don't have to worry about it anymore.
Amazing, congratulations on your 1st vote! Thankyou for highlighting to so many about the importance of using your vote it’s one of the most privileged things you can have and those that have it should most definitely use it!
An amazing story, congratulations to you and your family. Wonderful to hear young people taking the process seriously. I am excited for four more years.
Congratulations!! I became a citizen after 13 years so I totally understand the time and process it takes to get there. I’m so happy for you and your family ❤️
Congratulations, Raya 💙! It made me think....that everyone does their best, at any given time. It reminded me that whatever people's vote is, they do it because they TRULY believe that it's the best option. I hope that we, as a species, can see beyond beliefs and opinions, and see that everyone does what they believe is best. Everyone does what they can to be happy. Much love to all of you. I can't vote (being Canadian). But I respect each one of you' s vote, whatever it is. Because it's what YOU believe will bring the best. Ultimately, what will "save us" is not who we vote for, but the way we live and treat each other in our daily lives. Regardless of opinions. ♡
Congratulations on your citizenship. 🇺🇸 After the November 3rd election, I would love to know how you feel now about EVERY vote counting? You have worked sooo hard for what sooo many take for granted. Do you feel the election process was legal and above board? Please respond.
honestly doesn't seem worth it. you don't magically have more of a say so, just because you can vote, the choices are limited on what and who you can vote for, by design
Yessssss! Congratulations! Everyone vote! If you dont know who you want to vote for there is a great website isidewith.com that has an easy questionaire that will show you who you share your values with.
I don't really get how marriage came here as Luis is British and Raya is Bulgarian and since she got it she also American. So it did not really make it easier
