PHOENIX — As Hispanic Heritage Month winds down and the deadline for people to register to vote in Arizona ends Thursday, a group of mariachi teenagers wants to remind people that their voices matter...not only on stage, but also in democracy.
“I registered to vote and I encourage everyone to register to vote," said Genesis Clara, a member of Mariachi Juvenil de mi Tierra. "This election is super important and it’s time to encourage change because there are so many things going on with our nation. So, it’s important to register and vote, especially the youth. There are so many of us and we have to vote."
Clara practically grew up on stage. It has been her home since she was a toddler. But this year, she hopes her voice will travel farther as a first-time voter.
“Please vote, please register to vote, please wear your mask, be conscious of the people surrounding you," she said.
Arizona residents have until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct.,15 to register to vote. You can register to vote here.
Clara also wanted to remind the Latino communities about why representation matters.
“A lot of us are not citizens and can’t vote, so it’s our responsibility, for us that have that privilege, to give back to them and to choose the right candidate that will represent us," she said.
Clara said she owes her parents and the people still fighting to find their voice.
“I’m not an alien in this nation. I'm a rightful citizen and I have rights and I can vote and I can do all of these things and get back to my community so that other people have those rights as well,” she said.
