Today I was able to interview Rosetta Conigliaro in South Philadelphia at GAMP high-school, at the voting polls.

Do you vote in every election?
Yes, every election since I turned 18.

Did you learn about voting in school? If yes, did that impact your willingness to vote today?
Yes, my senior and junior year history teachers reminded us to vote and taught us abou the processes. I've been voting ever since.

Do you know why we vote on Tuesday?
Actually, no. Because everyone is cranky on Monday? ... I guess my teachers forgot to tell me about that.

Are you always sure of who you are going to vote for when you walk into the booth or are you still deliberating?
I always know. Republican!

What impact do you feel that your vote will have on the election?
A very high impact. Every vote counts!

Where have you encountered the highest amount of ad campaigning?
On TV! I have memorized the words to most of them already!

​When I went to my local church to do this assignment I saw many people going in and out. So I stopped one of them, a woman, and told her about this school assignment that many of our students are doing in the Philadelphia area. She replied delightedly and said that, being part of a school community, she would love to help.

What motivated you to come out to vote?
The State of the Union. I don't want people to speak for me. You have to make your voice known.

Did you learn about voting in school?
No. I learned from my family. From the age of 12 they would make me stand outside of this church to pass out ballots.

What would you like to see changed in our political system?
The concept of majority rules. I would like things to be brought back to the people, to the public. I wish that congress would get more opinions from the people instead of having us vote on people who we think might do something to better the political system. However, they could say they're for something, but not do anything about it when they are elected.

What was the most memorable campaign ad that you've encountered?
I got it in the mail and it was against Joe Sestak. It was just, petty and childish really. On it was a bottle full of oil and across it, it read Snake Oil. That's another thing about these campaign ads; instead of stating issues that need to be solved, they're more emotional. In reality, I think everyone's ready for it all to be over.

Are you always sure of who you are going to vote for when you go into the booth?
Yes. I spend plenty of time researching the people who are campaigning to see what they stand for instead of just going off the commercials on tv or the ads that I get in the mail. 

What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?
The city. They should focus on employment and also on reducing taxes.

Do you think that your vote has an impact on this election?
I'm going to give you the real answer, the true answer. I hope. You just never know.

         

I had a great experience today getting out in the brisk and open air, to find voters from around the city up and about to vote. It was just amazing to see that, and knowing that next year I will be doing the exact same thing, since I will be 18 in July. I recorded my interview as an audio file.

And here is my message for Extra Credit to all of the Voters out there today!

AJ Carter
11-2-10
History

1. What motivated you to com out an vote?
Answer: She came out to vote because she wants her "voice" to be heard and make a difference.

2. Do you know why we vote on Tuesday?
Answer: She guessed it was because the US senate are very busy so this day would be easiest.

3.Are you always sure of who you are voting for?
Answer: Yes.

4. What would you like to see changed in our political system?
Answer: More cooperation in between them and more help for the middle class.

5.Did you learn about voting in school?
Answer: Yes because I am not from the US so i had to learn before i came.