Beyond the Ballot: Your Vote Can Fight For My Future

Every election season, I am reminded that my future hangs on by a thin thread—and voters hold the power to strengthen it or cut it. I am one of the estimated 500,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) holders living in the United States who do not have the right to vote. We know our legal existence depends on a system that doesn’t recognize our contributions, dismisses our potential, and oftentimes disregards our humanity. Instead of the traditional American Dream, I poured myself into organizing and sharing my story so that my community members understand that their vote can represent the many voices of kids who grew up in the United States without the right to vote.

When connecting with other young Latinx, personally and professionally, I’ve learned that we’re all united in our desire for an American reality where we can all exist in safe spaces of healing and joy; we share a goal of replacing systems of oppression with systems of care and accountability. We all want—and deserve—to feel secure in our communities, afford to stay in our homes, access affordable health care, and have our worth be more than what documents we have. Together, we can drive political change toward a liberated and compassionate world.

Voters who live in House District 16 have a chance to vote for a Youth Agenda Champion who shares these same values: Representative Stephanie Vigil (she/they). Rep. Vigil has advocated for renters’ rights, raising wages, and lowering health care costs. They led the charge to protect reproductive rights and freedom of expression for all people in Colorado, no matter whom they love. Stephanie Vigil is truly a community-rooted advocate; I’ve often seen her at events, talking with young constituents and learning how she can better represent their priorities.

Here’s a secret I’ve learned: political advocacy doesn’t start or end with voting—it’s woven into our daily actions. I joined the New Era Colorado Action Fund and Young People for All People team because I know how it feels to navigate complicated processes and confusing information with my right to exist in this country on the line. Without the privilege of a ballot in hand, I am proud to be a part of a movement that empowers others and advocates for policies that reflect the collective needs of young people. I felt, for a long time, that I didn’t belong in these political discussions; but the people I’ve connected with through New Era Colorado renew and strengthen my belief in the potential of change.

Though Latinx Coloradans come from different places and perspectives, we share an understanding of the importance of hard work, family, and culture. The young voters I talk to—some of whom are the first in their families to vote or first-generation college graduates—often say that they vote to honor the sacrifices of their ancestors and to show respect for loved ones who, despite being essential members of our community, can’t vote.

To all the voters who are overwhelmed by the what-ifs on our ballots: voting on Nov. 5 is your chance to fight for your future and pay tribute to the sacrifices of the generations before us. Voting is something we do for our communities, and we can vote with community support, too. Talk to your friends, do your research, and reach out to members of your community. Get started by grabbing your ballot and heading to NewEraVoterGuide.org to learn about the people and issues on our ballots. It is never too late to register to vote in Colorado—just be in line at a Voter Service Center by 7 p.m. on Election Day. And remember: when you vote, you’re voting for everyone in our community who can’t.

Silvia Entenza

Silvia Entenza is the Southern Regional Lead Organizer at New Era Colorado Action Fund and Young People for All People Independent Expenditure. A recent graduate of Colorado College, Silvia is excited to connect with community members and contribute to the collective work being done in Colorado. Her dedication to organizing is her oath to her family and loved ones.

New Era Colorado Action Fund is a 501(4) nonprofit organization that organizes young people to win on the Youth Agenda through elections and policy to ensure that elected officials are held accountable to the Youth Agenda before and after elections.

Young People For All People expands upon New Era Colorado Action Fund’s electoral outreach work by organizing and mobilizing young voters in key state and local races to elect Youth Agenda Champions, passing progressive ballot measures, and defeating ballot measures that harm young people’s priorities.