I immigrated to America when I was 10 years old and lived with my family in the uncertainty of not having documentation for 10 years. I became a citizen in 2017, after my American grandmother petitioned for me. I still remember the day I swore my oath of citizenship. It was a cold Boston morning, and as I was leaving Faneuil Hall, the first thing I did was register to vote. Later that fall, I voted for the first time, in a local school board election. After so many years in this country, I finally felt included, like my voice did matter. As my siblings and parents became citizens, I took the responsibility of teaching them to access their vote. Whether it was translating ballots, explaining municipal roles or sharing logistical information, such support allowed my family to confidently access their right to vote.

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