IRC Clients Observe Voting in America

Pasadena-area residents took a trip to the local election polls in Pasadena on November 8, 2011 to elect representatives to fill seats on three city councils, eight school boards, and the Pasadena City College board.
 
Local Pasadena resident and IRC volunteer Andy Lippman organized the trip for IRC’s Early Employment clients so they could observe the election process. As the clients stood in the poll rooms, Andy explained the history of voting in the United States, the voting process, and    a lesson clients through the history of voting in America, the process, and delved into how voting started for African Americans and women.  IRC clients shared their voting experiences in their home countries, and commented on differences they noticed in the American system.
 
“This is the most basic form of government, and it is easily accessible to voters, with a huge impact on the community’s everyday lives,” explained Andy.
 
After Andy’s introduction, the team was shown around by an electoral official, and had a chance to observe Andy as he cast his vote!