New Jerseyans are invited to share their stories and ideas about our democracy.
New Jersey's Democracy Conversation
See what your neighbors are saying about democracy in our state.
Use the submission link below to add your own thoughts to the conversation. Responses from your fellow New Jerseyans can be viewed below. Use the various filters and click the "Submit" button to see only the responses that fit your selected criteria.
Tell Your Story
What do you think about the state of our democracy? Add your personal reflection to the statewide conversation about democracy in America through a written statement, photograph, or audio/video submission.
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“Afterwards, I felt a sense of pride and liberation”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I was at Hofstra University and the university had given us the day off to go vote. I walked to the closest polling place. It was a very bright, sunny, and wonderfully breezy day. Afterwards, I felt a sense of pride and liberation knowing I had done my civic duty”
“Your vote counts”
Why is voting important to you?
Your vote counts.
“The ’72 Nixon-McGovern election”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
The ’72 Nixon-McGovern election very polarized, contrasts, but seemingly less visceral, less aggression more willingness to debate and discuss seemingly more civilized even if not perfect then either.
“Be responsible for your own actions”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Obey the rules and laws of community. Staying inform of the issues and participation in government elections. Be respectful and helpful to your neighbors. Be responsible for your own actions.
“Good citizen? Educated citizen!”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Good citizen? Educated Citizen! Main challenges? Human ignorance! Voting importance? Not really not anymore because the results could be disputed.
“Voting is the major achievement of democracy”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is the major achievement of democracy. It is the most important this time when our democracy is at risk to be thrown away by Qanon and election deniers.
“I have seen in swing states how important the voice of a group is”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because I have seen in swing states how important the voice of a group is. A small number or change in attitude is enought to determine whether one candidate is picked over another.
“Making a difference”
Why is voting important to you?
I think voting is important because making a difference as an individual is very important to communities and to make your voice be heard.
“Fake efforts to portray election results as fraudulent”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Fake efforts to portray election results as fraudulent, intimidate voters and unwillingness to accept that sometimes ones candidate might lose.
“Dismissing whole communities from voting”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Voter rights dismissing whole communities from voting.
“Para que tudos pueden tener si vos escuchado”
Why is voting important to you?
Es importante votar para que todos pueden tener si vos escuchado.
“It evokes pride in being American”
Why is voting important to you?
It evokes pride in being American. Not many countries have and exhibit democracy as we have here in USA. We are lucky to have it and should take great care to not lose it.
“The apathy of our young”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Politicians blatantly lie for their own political gain. The apathy of our young and just so many old not understanding that their vote has purpose, meaning and makes change for the better.
“Lower income communities and minorities being underrepresented”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
The main challenges faced in democracy today is the low voter turn-out. Voting is the most direct way to make change in a democratic system, yet we constantly see lower income communities and minorities being underrepresented The only way you can have a say in society is through voting.
“I have a chance to make a change”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because it lets my voice be heard and I have a chance to make a change in my country.
“To support the electorate”
Why is voting important to you?
To support the electorate which I bare my thoughts and hopes with.
“Tell others to vote and learn about your issues!”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Vote! Tell others to vote and learn about your issues!
“Uneducated voters”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
1) Motivating voters 2) Uneducated voters
“Don’t sit on the sidelines”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is one of the most important responsibilities we have. Voters determine the direction our towns, countries, and county go on. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Be a voter.
“Freedom of choice”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because it is a freedom of choice.
“I can’t vote for any of these candidates”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Republican because I feel they hate me. The main challenge… I can’t vote for any of these candidates and I’m not the only one.
“God given right of being a good citizen”
Why is voting important to you?
Part of God given right of being a good citizen. Allows you a voice in actions decided.
“I learned at a young age what it means to be an American”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I remember going to the library room in my town elementary school with my mother. Watching her example, I learned at a young age what it means to be an American and returning to this location to do the same at age 18.
“Democracy itself is the challenge”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Democracy itself is the challenge. We need to be a republic (where each citizen has one equal and direct vote as opposed to a democracy where elected officials represent us).
“I went and canceled out a racist’s vote”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I was playing the Mario level swinging claw flyway and said I’d vote for Joe Biden if I got 21 and I got 20.998 so I went and canceled out a racist’s vote.
“Those who want to deny others the right to vote”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Those who want to deny others the right to vote so their “party” might win.
“Give us a voice”
Why is voting important to you?
Give us a voice!
“Revere the flag and our country”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
To continue to revere the flag and our country, and to preach it to the young. To maintain special privileges such as voting for those who pledge allegiance. Those who wish to partake of our benefits yet fly the flag of another country should not have a voice in the running of the USA.
“Help register new voters”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
A good citizen participates in our democracy and actively encourages others to do the same. Good citizens not only vote in each and every election, but help register new voters, serve as poll-workers, and/or fight for democratic ideals.
“Our politicians are financed by the health insurance industry”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Our politicians are financed by the health insurance industry and Big Pharma. They work for these corporations and not the citizens. Money from corporations should not be part of the electoral process. When we vote we are voting for a person who will be getting money from these corporations.
“Power in choosing our government”
Why is voting important to you?
Because when you vote and when everyone votes (and when you have faith that your vote is counted) then everyone feels they have taken power in choosing our government and will support our government and then we have a stable, peaceful, and successful country.
“To ensure social justice protects me”
Why is voting important to you?
To ensure social justice protects me and my family and my community.
“Loyalty towards a party rather than majority’s wellbeing”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Misinformation, divisiveness, lack of healthy dialogue and voter suppression. Loyalty towards a party rather than majority’s wellbeing. Average Americans being “gaslighted,” manipulated, and confused by power, greedy corporations who enslave masses for more profit and “buy” elections.
“Must have an active role in that government”
Why is voting important to you?
The people who are governed must have an active role in that government. Anything else is TYRANNY. – Lt. Col. Mark Melin
“Everyone’s opinion counts”
Why is voting important to you?
Everyones opinion counts. You want everyone to be equals.
“Lack of confidence in the integrity of our voting system”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Lack of confidence in the integrity of our voting system.
“Make sure that the laws being passed are fair to all”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me (even though I cannot do it yet) because it allows my voice to be heard to make sure that the laws being passed are fair to all 🙂
“Participating in elections”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Participating in elections.
“Each candidate has a fair chance of winning”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Many challenges with democracy today and recently has been with frauds. Most important the 2020 election. The Communist left completely stole the election. Voting is important so each candidate has a fair chance of winning.
“We need engaged, participatory democracy year round”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
One central challenge facing democracy is that most people think that voting is sufficient in a democracy. Simply voting is not enough. We need engaged, participatory democracy year round. That can mean organizing with neighbors and coworkers for change. The problem is that if people think voting is enough, when it’s actually not. When voting doesn’t result in change, people stop doing even that.
“Congress gridlock”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Discrimination, hate, changes in voting laws, bigoted supreme court, congress gridlock, violence.
“Extreme positioning to activate their base”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Not enough people to vote, leaving those at the extremes with unjustified political power. Note that politicians used to moderate their views to attract swing voters – now they take extreme positioning to “activate their base.”
“Like the way you live? Then vote for Nixon”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Shortly before I cast my first vote in 1972, I overheard a woman about my age (20) saying, “My father says ‘Like the way you live? Then vote for Nixon.’ I was shocked at the selfishness. A good citizen should consider that we’re all in this together.”
“Have a voice in determining what our democracy looks like”
Why is voting important to you?
It is the way that all people can have a voice in determining what our democracy looks like. It is especially important today, as authoritarianism and fascism are running amok.
“Both parties constantly vetoing and stalling progressive ideals”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Currently, the United States system of first past the post voting has enabled a two party system to dominate the policies in the US. With both parties constantly vetoing and stalling progressive ideals regardless of public necessity of will. This system has led to, or will lead to the inevitable downfall of the democratic disourse in the US.
“Ballot security”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Ballot security and the prevention election fraud.
“First-past-the-post-voting”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Gerrymandering, first-past-the post-voting, and campaign.
“False info being spread via social media”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
False info being spread via social media. Eg. 2020 election was stolen, widespread voter fraud, etc.
“Don’t be selfish”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Consider the needs of people who have not had your advantages in life when voting for a candidate. Don’t be selfish.
“To be informed about issues facing your community”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
To be informed about issues facing your community and country and to vote in all elections. To follow the law and help your community.
“To choose who will keep our republic thriving”
Why is voting important to you?
I am able with my fellow citizens, whose choices may be entirely different than me, to choose who will keep our republic thriving and going forward.
“Standing up for the disenfranchised”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Giving back to others, protecting the environment, standing up for the disenfranchised and exercising your right to vote.
“Be informed – engage – vote”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Be informed – engage – vote. Have a sense of proportion regarding political issues. Vote based on what is truly important. Stick with it all your life.
“The feeling of awe, solemnity, and excitement”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
My mother used to bring me into the voting booth with her and pull the curtain lever. She instilled in me the importance and privilege of voting (a first-generation American). My first vote was cast for George McGovern, and I remember the feeling of awe, solemnity, and excitement it occasioned, even though he lost the election.
“I was happy to see that New York State had a Right to Life party”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I was 18 years old and going to school in Texas. That year was a presidential election. I voted with an absentee ballott because my home state was New York. I was happy to see that New York State had a Right to Life party since that right is still the most important.
“The first time I voted was in 1960 – for John F. Kennedy”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
The first time I voted was in 1960 – for John F. Kennedy, I was to a school on 20th Street in Manhattan, between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, when I pulled the lever for Kennedy. It was almost melodramatic, a small gesture for a powerful gesture. I have voted in every election since then.
“Your actions benefit those around you”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Being a good citizen means contributing to matters that you feel are important, whether it is voting, helping local businesses, or helping others in need, your actions benefit those around you.
“It gives me a say”
Why is voting important to you?
It gives me a say in government policies and decisions.
“They valued the rule of here and never failed to vote”
Why is voting important to you?
My grandparents and great-grandparents were refugees from totalitarian countries. They valued the rule of law here and never failed to vote. So I vote every time.
“It gives me a voice that my grandmother didn’t have”
Why is voting important to you?
It gives me a voice that my grandmother didn’t have.
“Even if my side doesn’t succeed, I want to try”
Why is voting important to you?
I remember the powerless of being a teenager in November 2000, feeling like I didn’t have a voice in what was going on. Even if my side doesn’t succeed, I want to try.
“Politicians, on paper, are supposed to help people”
Why is voting important to you?
Politicians, on paper, are supposed to help people, especially those who aren’t wealthy, but only a small percentage do, we need to ensure these rare politicians win.
“Why live in a world you have no say in”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important because it gives people a voice and a chance to change their community for the better. It’s also like why live in a world you have no say – so in when you can vote and have a chance to be a part of change in your community.
“The best way to affect change is to vote”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is how my voice can be heard. We are lucky to live in the greatest democracy in the world… too many Americans are quick to complain because they forget the best way to effect change is to vote!”
“Every vote matters”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting gives me a voice and it involves me with the decisions of my representatives. Every vote matters and everyone should have the same voice.
“No vote = no voice”
Why is voting important to you?
Anyone who doesn’t vote has no right to complain about our government or our elected officials. NO VOTE = NO VOICE!
“I will vote for the 1st time this November”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I haven’t voted yet, but I will for the 1st time this November!
“I felt compelled to vote for my parents choice”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I felt compelled to vote for my parents choice. I can’t remember if I did!
“I hurried toward the Democrat table and she turned toward the Republican table”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
It was a primary, and my mother and I went in together. I hurried toward the Democrat table and she turned toward the Republican table. One of the volunteers called out her name and said (judgementally), “Your daughter’s a Democrat?!” for all to hear. My mom turned to me and said milldly, “Are you a Democrat?” I said “Yes. Are you a Republican?” “Yes.” We both continued on our way, I was so proud of how cool my mother was.
“He dressed in a suit every time he voted”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
The first time I voted I had a strong memory of my father who wore a suit when he went to vote. He was an immigrant and a “blue collar” worker. Wearing a suit meant it was impotant to him. And he dressed in a suit every time he voted.
“I was in 2nd grade and I was voting for the student council”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
The first time I voted was probably in elementary school. I was in 2nd grade and I was voting for the student council president, vice president, and secretary. Luckily, my friends had older siblings running for each position so I just voted for them. Only the one running for secretary won, though.
“To be present in the process of living in democracy”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because I get the choice to be present in the process of living in democracy, and also to give my opinion on who I want to be my leader.
“Being nervous”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I remember waiting in line for a very long time and being nervous.
“Being up to date with what is happening in politics”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
To be a good citizen means to be a part of the community you are living in by voting, following the law and being up to date with what is happening in politics.
“It gets your voice out there”
Why is voting important to you?
It gets your voice out there. It makes you be heard. Voting allows us to vote in whatever is best for the people. However, our voices are being less heard, as the people who try to help us get shut out more often.
“A good citizen is aware of the whole story”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
A good citizen means to contribute to the place you live in. Whether it’s helping a local community by giving support and a voice in what happens where you live, community work like food pantries, helping a neighbor voting on subjects relevant to the place you live. Being a good citizen on a personal level is also being aware of the influences around you and how that skews your perceptions and choices. A good citizen is aware of the whole story.
“In 7th grade for my school’s mock election”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I remember voting in 7th grade for my school’s mock election. It was cool being able to share my opinion in a moderated election.
“People who will govern my life for the next 4 years”
Why is voting important to you?
The people who will govern my life for the next 4 years seems like a very important deal to me”
“I can’t vote, I’m an immigrant”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I can’t vote, I’m an immigrant.
“Many people risked their lives and have died for you to vote”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important for multiple reasons. Many people risked their lives and have died for you to vote. You can have a say in the government by voting.
“Help out in society and contribute to the community”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Being a good citizen means to help out in society and contribute to the community. Being a good citizen also means to vote for who you believe can benefit their community.
“Vote freely and without scrutiny”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I have not had the chance to vote in any elections or decisions yet. But I know it as a private process that isn’t observed and therefore allows me to vote freely and without scrutiny.
“My opinion matters”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important because it shows that my opinion matters”
“So many people forget the right to vote”
Why is voting important to you?
I want to exercise my right to vote because so many people forget the right to vote.
“Corporate greed”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
Voter suppression, capitalism, corporate greed, gerrymandering, bigots.
“Not littering”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Voting, looking out for others, spreading kindness, not littering!!!
“I remember feeling very insignificant”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
Have not voted yet… but if you are talking like class president or something, I remember feeling very insignificant. I was always very introverted, so I wasn’t out and about screaming “vote for ___!” I think if you truly care about what you are voting for publicly sharing your views/campaigning can help make you feel better and also make a real difference.
“The first time I voted was through the mail-in ballot sheet”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
The first time I voted was through the mail-in ballot sheet. It was very easy.
“I was the only person there at the time under 35”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
It was in a church’s rec room. It was a local election so the candidates were outside handing people papers and doing last minute campaigning. I was the only person there at the time under 35.
“To get a say in how the state/nation is run”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
Voting is very important as it is the best way to get citizens to get a say in how the state/nation is run.
“Voting can impact our laws and very way of life”
Why is voting important to you?
It’s the easiest way to voice my opinion. Voting can impact our laws and very way of life.
“Voting is something that has been fought hard for”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because it gives me some say in what is happening in a world, country, state, or even town that I live in and therefore affects me. Voting is also something that has also been fought hard for in order for me to have a chance to have a role in the democracy that we strive for.
“protect democracy”
Why is voting important to you?
To protect democracy by fascists who would see my rights taken away for religious zealots.
“I want my right to a representative in office”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because I want my right to a representative in office. It is important to me that our goverment is run that way.
“Your voice is being heard”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important because it is your chance as a citizen of the USA to voice your opinion whether it is in the local, state, or national level, your voice is being heard.
“Actively participate”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
It means to actively participate in the state and country’s affairs.
“We should take advantage of that freedom”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to met because we are of the few countries that allows its citizens to vote. We should take advantage of that freedom.
“Participate in government”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is one of the most important rights because it allows citizens to be able to participate in government, as part of a democracy.
“Supporting our troops”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Taking part in the democratic process by voting in elections and supporting our troops.
“I want my voice to be heard”
Why is voting important to you?
I want my voice to be heard. There are many people suffering. We need to vote in order to redistribute the resources in the country.
“It allows for people to have their voice heard”
Why is voting important to you?
I think voting is important because it allows for people to have their voice heard, especially for the issues that affect them personally.
“I was a little scared when the curtain closed behind me”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I was a little scared when the curtain closed behind me. I knew I planned to vote for well in advance.
“If we lose our right to vote we lose our right to choose”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is our right to choose who we allow in position to run our government if we lose our right to vote we lose our right to choose. Voting is the most important part of a free democracy. These rights were bought and paid for by our founding fathers who were fearful of god almighty.
“I felt so grown up”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
Yes, I felt so grown up. I had to show my identification and sign the voting record book. I was happy to have a say in the democratic process.
“I rushed to get my paperwork”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
The thing is the first time I voted I rushed to get my paperwork and just as the polls were ending I submitted my vote unaware if I [was] valid yet.
“listen to the voices of the people”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is an important contribution citizens can make during the political field that is casted in America. It is crucial that law makers and higher authorities listen to the voices of the people since “serving the people” and “ensuring their safety and well-being” should be top priorities.
“I can be part of a group”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is critical to me because I can be a part of a group that enforces or keeps (positively) life – changing laws, acts and people
“Works to make the country better”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
A good citizen understands how the government works in order to remain free. A good citizen does not hate the country but works to make it better by voting.
“There will still be issues that I don’t feel will or can be solved as a state”
Why is voting important to you?
To me voting isn’t important cause regardless there will still be issues that I don’t feel will or can be solved as a state and even national scale.
“I’m looking forward to doing so”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I haven’t had the chance to vote yet since I have recently turned 18 but I am looking forward to doing so.
“Your voice is heard”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
As a 17 year old, I imagine that your first time voting is the first time your voice in heard on a legal basis.
“Being heard and making an impact”
Why is voting important to you?
I feel like it is important because you feel like you are being heard and making an impact.
“It allows me to express my opinion with no judgement”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because it allows for my voice to be heard. It allows me to express my opinion with no judgement.
“It means that I have a voice in my community”
Why is voting important to you?
Voting is important to me because it means that I have a voice in my community. Voting allows me to support causes that I am passionate about.
“I was bound and determined”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
I was bound and determined to support the late, great Millicent Fenwick in her primary for the U.S. Senate. She was running against an arch conservative Jeff Bell. She won the primary, but sadly lost the general election.
“active participant”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
A good citizen is an active participant in their community — as a voter, volunteer, and good neighbor.
“contribute to the fabric of democracy”
Why is voting important to you?
Not only is voting my duty as a citizen, it is an opportunity to contribute to the fabric of democracy. By being an educated, thoughtful, deliberate voter, my voice matters.
“candidates who…represent the interests of all of us”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Being a good citizen means voting, as much as you can, for the candidates who have the best ideas and work ethic who will represent the interests of all of us.
“magic!”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
My first memories of voting are with my parents at my elementary school. My first vote was the presidential election of 1976 – less than 1 month after I turned 18 – magic!
“we all have responsibility”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
We all have responsibility for knowing candidates, understanding issues, and voting.
“I was helping shape the course of our country”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
It felt monumental. I was voting in the primaries for the 2016 election. I literally felt like I was helping shape the course of our country. My candidate lost – I voted Bernie – but you can see his influence today. I got to share my voice in a really important way.
“The movement to limit voting”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
The movement to limit voting.
“it was a thrill”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
First time I voted it was a thrill. I voted for Robert Kennedy in primary.
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