ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — 7News is giving women the mic this election season. We stopped four women on the street to ask what their top priorities were as they head to the polls.
Andrea Salazar is an immigrant and will be voting for the first time.
“I’m from Colombia, and in Colombia, we try to have always the family close,” Salazar said. “And I want to feel the president is my family, too.”
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Sasha Whitney had three top issues, including maternal mortality rates for Black women and the high cost of childcare.
“If we’re constantly complaining about this birthing crisis, we’re not reproducing ourselves, there are not enough kids around. What is the incentive to families? Not just moms, but dads too,” Whitney said. “And childcare is really expensive, what are we doing to solve that? And also women’s reproductive rights.”
It’s a very personal thing, and you should be able to make that choice for yourself,” Whitney said.
Another cost Whitney highlighted was the high cost of living that impacts many D.C., Maryland and Virginia residents.
“For a one-bedroom apartment, it’s $2,000, $3,000. It’s ridiculous,” Whitney said.
Like Whitney, Ella Haarhoff is chiefly concerned with preserving reproductive rights.
“Abortion laws, really, I feel like that’s something that’s not going to only affect me, but my future children, grandchildren, really, everyone,” Haarhoff said.
A lot of people who I don’t really think should have a say in what women do with their body, get that say,” Haarhoff said.
Allie, who’s new to the DMV, wants a leader not just for the United States, but someone the world can look to during challenging times.
“Escalating worldwide tensions is something that is really important to me going into this election,” Allie said. “Finding a leader that is strong in how they command their presence and handle worldwide tensions.”
Just knowing someone that’s firm and decisive is really important,” Allie said.
As for which candidate has captured her vote, Allie has not decided yet.
However, she said she would be looking at the issues more “holistically” before making a final and “well-informed” decision.
First-time voters like Salazar urge everyone to make their voices heard.
“When the government is bad, ‘Oh, they are horrible,’ but you no go to vote,” Salazar said. “You need to go outside and say, ‘Hi, I am here [for] my country.'”
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