Interviewer: NaQuan Harding

Interviewee: Gerald

 

N.H: So, who motivated you to vote today?

 

Gerald: Not much really motivates me to vote, but I feel that if we’re going to have a say in who’s gonna run our country, I figured I may as well have a say in it.

 

N.H: Not many people seem to share that way of thinking. I mean, look at how many people showed up here today.

 

Gerald: Yeah, but this is only one polling place. I’m sure that there are more voters in other more public places.

 

N.H: Maybe, but I heard that voter turnout would be pretty low this year. In fact, aren’t you pretty worried that most Americans don’t care who runs the country. Turnout in and election is usually around 50%, and that’s on a good year.

 

Gerald: People are looking for a president that will solve America’s problems. Obama’s been making promises to fix things, but we’re still in debt, and workers are still out of jobs because of it.

 

N.H: So, I assume you’re not voting for Obama in the presidential election?

 

Gerald: Nope.

 

N.H: Who might it be, then?

 

Gerald: I don’t know. Maybe Rick Perry. I like that guy.

 

N.H: Any particular reason?

 

Gerald: Shouldn’t you be asking other questions, kid?

 

N.H: Right, sorry. Um, how do you feel about voting on Tuesdays? Do you find it inconvenient?

 

Gerald: Not really. I usually tell my boss a week before Election Day that I’ll be out voting. He’s pretty okay with it, and since I’m usually on time for work, he can trust that voting is all I’ll do.

 

N.H: So, your boss doesn’t trust everyone to miss work for voting?

 

Gerald: Some guys at my job only use voting as an excuse to miss work. They don’t even vote. They just spend the day doing whatever the hell they want.

 

N.H: Sounds like something I would do. I just have one more question. Where have you encountered the most ad campaigning? Was it on TV, the internet, anywhere?

 

Gerald: Well, I don’t watch much TV or spend that much time on the internet, but I definitely get my fill on ad campaigning from my neighborhood. I’m telling you, every telephone pole there has like ten different campaigning posters stapled to it. There are so many there, that I just don’t pay attention anymore.

 

N.H: Yeah, I hear you. Well, thanks for your time.

 

Gerald: No problem.

This is our collaborative effort of Voter Turn-Out in Philadelphia's 2011 Mayoral election; enjoy.

Names of Interviewees: Kate and Brian
Place of Interview: Mitchell Elementary School (pictured below)​

1.) What motivated you to come out and vote?
I was motivated because back in the day, my people couldn't vote. After they endured dogs and hoses just so that I could go out and vote, I want to do so. Besides, I think politics is interesting.

My wife keeps telling me that I need to vote, so I did.

2.) What would you like to see changed in our political system?
I would like to elect an honest politician. So many of today's politicians just say what will make everyone happy, without doing anything.

I don't like the fact that election day is not on the weekend. I feel like this is all a waste of time.

3.) Do you vote in every election? (How regularly do you vote?)
Yes, I vote in every election because some of my ancestors could not. I just feel that it is my duty to continue to vote, since they never will have that opportunity.

No, I usually don't vote. I only vote when it's the presidential election.

4.) Do you know why we vote on Tuesday?
No, but that's a good question. I guess that we will never know.

No. It's Tuesday? I thought it was Wednesday.

5.) What was the most memorable campaign that you have encountered?
The campaign of Barack Obama was very powerful to me. I have never felt so connected to one man that I had never met. I just knew that he would be the perfect president.

The election of Barack Obama in 2008. I just have never seen so many people determined to vote. I was standing in line for like ten minutes.

6.) What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?
I hope that Philadelphia will become easier to live in. Hopefully the democrats will win, because this will help to do that. After all, the mayor is a democrat. That means there will be less opposing forces battling to get their way.

I hope that the flash mobs will stop in Philadelphia. I'm tired of feeling afraid to leave my house.

7.) What impact do you feel that your vote will have on the election? Did you learn about voting in school? If yes, did that impact your willingness to vote today?
I hope that my vote will help to choose the right person, but its only one vote. Yes, I did somewhat learn about voting in school, but my parents taught me the most about it. In fact, they are the main reason that I come out to vote, because since they've passed away, I feel that it is my responsibility to continue that tradition.

Hopefully my vote will be a step in the right direction. No, I didn't learn about voting in school. My parents told me about it. But, I was never really in to voting because people get too carried away with it. I don't feel like stressing myself out, hoping that someone will win or lose.

My video is on SchoolTube. Here is the link. 

This is our collaborative effort on Voter Turn in Philadelphia's 2011 Mayoral elections. Enjoy.

photo soon to come 

Ms. Sonya

She is an employee for the School District and didn't find it appropriate to take a video of her talking about the voting system. Plus my phone didn't have just an audio recorder so I am stuck with zero visual things from her.

1)  What motivated you to come out and vote?

I'm a believer that I have a voice and my voice counts. And that I can make a positive change in my community.


2) What would you like to see changed in our political system?


When first asked: Umm....can I pass on this for a second?

Second time asking: Nothing that I can think of right now. Maybe changing the electoral college. How is it that these little itty bitty states have such big power?


3) Do you know why we vote on Tuesday?

Haha that's weird cause I have no idea. You should research that for me.

4) Are you always sure of who you are going to vote for when you walk into the booth or are you still deliberating?

I'm always sure.

5) What changed do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?


I am hopeful that the people who are elected that they put the community's desire before their ow personal agenda and their own desires.

6) What impact do you feel that your vote will have on the election? Did you learn about voting in school? If yes, did that impact your willingness to vote today?

I learned about voting from my parents. Actually as soon as I turned 18 I register to vote. What I hope for is that the person I voted for wins! And that they represent me well.

Melissa Andrews (Age: 45)​

1. What motivated you to come out and vote?

I believe its my duty to go out and vote if I want change to happen. Just as much as I have rights I have duties and I believe this is one of them

2. What would you like to see changed in our political system?

I think that the voting process should definetly be changed. I dont really agree with the electoral college vote.

Why?

I think we all know what we want and need for this country and should be left up to them, because then it sometimes makes people believe their votes dont count.

3. Do you vote in every election? 

Yes. Ive been voting in every election since the age of 21 which is when I was a little more mature about this and actually cared about it.


4. Do you know why we vote on tuesday?

Not really.

5. Where have you encountered the highest amount of campaigning?

In print. I see them all the time around my neighborhood.


6. What was the most memorable campaign ad that you have encountered?

Well one of my favorites has been the Obama campaign. I think his way of reaching out to people was very effective.

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

I come in with my choices made. I do my research cause a part of my duty is knowing my facts not just voting for whoever.

8. What changes do you hope to see in Philadelphia as a result of this election?

I dont have high expectations but I do believe that this city should worry a whole lot on putting money towards the school budget and creating safer streets out here with not so much violance

9. What impact do you feel that your vote will have on the election?

I believe that even though im only one person I can still have an impact not only with the election but setting examples to those people who dont come out and take time out of their day and vote.





They didnt allow me to take pictures inside. But I took one of the outside. : )