Several early voters, including a first-time voter, were serenaded by mariachi in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 30.
The Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights, a major immigrant rights organization, opened its flex voting center just days before the midterms.
The flex vote center program aims to reach voters “with distinct needs” such as voters who are homeless, voters who are disabled, voters who reside in assisted living homes, and voters “geographically isolated.” These centers provide the same services and experiences found at a vote center, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
“I want our voters here, and those watching us to remember you are powerful,” Angelica Salas, executive director, said. “Your vote is powerful.”
Salas said to vote “for what you value” and “for the sacrifices of our families and leaders.”
“Vote to bring the change that we need and that we have fought for,” Salas said.
The CHIRLA Flex Voting Center is located at 2533 West 3rd Street.
Aline Argueta, 18, is a first-time voter and Los Angeles resident. She told reporters attending the opening of CHIRLA’s vote center that she’s voting because she cares about her immigrant community and wants affordable health care for everyone.
She urged people to vote, particularly on behalf of those who cannot. Argueta told the USA TODAY Network that her generation has emphasized voting, something she’s grateful for.
“If you think your vote doesn’t matter, your vote 100% matters,” Argueta said. “As they’ve mentioned here today, if your vote didn’t matter, they wouldn’t want to take away your vote.”
How to find voting centers in Los Angeles
You have several ways to vote:
- Return your vote-by-mail ballot by mail (these ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3)
- Drop off your vote-by-mail ballot at a drop box location near you
- Vote in person at a vote center near you, or drop off your vote-by-mail ballot there, too
You can find out where to vote or return your ballot in Los Angeles County on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s website.
When is voting day in California?
Election Day is Nov. 3. Polls close at 8 p.m. If you’re returning your ballot via the mail on Nov. 3, be sure to a manual postmark from a U.S. Post Office employee.
Is Election Day a federal holiday?
Election Day is not a federal holiday. However, if you don’t have enough time outside of working hours to vote in a statewide election, California law lets you take up to two hours off to vote without losing pay, according to the California Secretary of State.
Paris Barraza covers Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Your vote is powerful.' Early voters treated to mariachi in LA
