With Election Day finally upon us, there’s never been a more important time to exercise your constitutional right to vote. For some young first-time voters, though, simply casting their ballots wasn’t enough; while some young activists are volunteering as poll workers or canvassing undecided voters via Hinge, others are celebrating the mere fact of being eligible to vote at all in this crucial election. In an election year showing signs of a record number of young voters, with the potential to tip the scales, what could be more apropos?
To commemorate the significance of the 2020 presidential election, a wide and diverse group of Gen Z–identified photographers—including Denise Stephanie, Olivia Reavey, Romina Estrada, Antonio Chicaia, Quannah ChasingHorse Potts, and David Baptiste—set out to photograph themselves and their friends (many of whom are also first-time voters) to highlight the importance of elevating young voices. See their photos from all over America below.
Denise Stephanie, New York City
The 18-year-old photographer trained her lens on her classmates at N.Y.U., saying, “One of the biggest messages I have for voters this year is that it is better to go to the polls or turn in your ballot than to not participate at all. There have been countless theories and discussions about how you should vote and that opting for neither candidate is a vote for our current president. No matter what you choose to do with your vote, you need to participate. If your vote was not important, they would not be trying this hard to take it away from you. Use your vote as evidence of your voice. It has always mattered, but now it’s really time to pull up.”
Olivia Reavey, Providence
“I’m embarrassed that I didn’t vote in 2016,” says the 22-year-old photographer. “I remember convincing myself it was alright because I never thought Trump would actually win. Looking back, I now realize how lazy it was to not have participated in the election and how my lack of motivation in 2016 was such a clear indication of my privilege. In 2020, I hope my vote can accomplish something...and I’ll be honest, I don’t understand or know if it can. But, after the last four years, I feel a responsibility to participate.”
Romina Estrada, Los Angeles
“When I started my freshman year of high school, Trump was elected into office,” says the 18-year-old Angeleno and photographer. “My entire high school years, I watched the effects of his presidency on the country.”
Antonio Chicaia, Houston
“More than ever, politicians are on the fence, and the people’s voice really matters right now,” notes the 22-year-old photographer, who’s passionate about entering into meaningful political conversations with friends in the battleground state of Texas and beyond.
Quannah ChasingHorse Potts, Fairbanks, Alaska
“I am so excited to cast my ballot for the first time and have my Indigenous vote counted,” says the 18-year-old photographer and Han Gwich’in and Oglala Lakota tribe member, adding, “It’s critical that we all vote! Our future depends on us voting for equal justice, climate justice, and environmental justice and to ensure our democracy is protected for the seven generations and beyond. I hope to inspire more people of my generation to cast their ballot and ensure their voice is heard. I am voting my Indigenous values.”
Daveed Baptiste, Brooklyn
“My family and I have worked hard in pursuit of the American dream,” says the 23-year-old child of Haitian immigrants. “There is still a piece of me that still believes in that dream, and that is why I am voting. My polling place is literally across the street from my apartment. It’s a blessing.”
