Disbelief that Trump could be re-elected

Mari Pough-Richardson said she will not miss the opportunity to vote in the presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

"I will vote as soon as I can, and I will be voting for Kamala Harris," she said.

For Mari, this isn't just about politics, it is personal. The policies being promoted by Harris connect deeply to her values and beliefs.

"Her identity as a Black woman who has worked diligently and educated herself to achieve her current status resonates with me," Mari said.

Mari voiced support for an age limitation on presidential hopefuls.

"If one can be considered too young, it then stands to reason that one can equally be considered too old and obsolete concerning the demands of modern times," she argued, explaining that the current political climate requires leaders who resonate with today's concerns.”

The decision by President Joe Biden to allow Harris to pursue the presidency is fully endorsed by Mari. "It was the wisest thing he could have done," she said, referring to Biden's possible reservations over his age.

She believes Harris has the necessary skills to defeat former President Donald Trump.

"Kamala should win the election against Donald Trump so nobody can say she was handed it over," Mari said. She also thinks that Harris, as president, would have more power and be more in charge than she is now as vice president.

Mari is no fan of Trump.

"It is known that Trump is a convicted felon," she said, expressing disbelief that such a person could conceivably take over the leadership of the country.

"Trump has done absolutely nothing to show me he cares about me as a Black person, a woman, a middle-class citizen, an LGBTQ+ person, or even as a young person currently in school trying to pursue a degree."

Trump’s policies and practices only benefited the wealthy, she said. "I want a president who will find ways to cut down inflation, police brutality, homelessness and hunger, wrongful convictions, etc.”

She recognizes that no administration is perfect and it may not be possible to address every issue in a four-year term, but Mari wishes that certain things would be done with some urgency.

"I would like to make my own decisions about my body.”

For Mari, the election represents a chance to shape the future and create change not just for herself but for her younger siblings, ages 8 and 10.

"Mass shootings in schools and public places need to stop once and for all," she said.