People in Michigan have some big decisions to make this election. We’re talking to voters across the state to learn about what's happening in their lives - both hopeful and stressful - to better understand what's driving them to vote this election year. You can follow along on this two-week series as we feature 11 Michiganders from across the state on our social media channels.
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Monday, September 23, 2024
Kevin Ashwood, Detroit, 27
@michiganpublic Kevin Ashwood and Jessica Mayfield Ashwood are both 27 and living in Detroit. When we spoke with them in August, they were preparing for the arrival of their son (who arrived in September). Their son was at the center of why they're heading to the polls in November - his safety, his future, and his security. Learn more about them here or head to michiganpublic.org/votervoices Reporting: Briana Rice | Production & Editing: Mia Goldstein Music: Blue Dot Sessions People in Michigan have some big decisions to make on November 5. With the election just over a month away, we’re talking to voters across the state to learn about what's happening in their lives - both hopeful and stressful - to better understand what's driving them to vote this election year. You can follow along on this two-week series as we feature 11 Michiganders from across the state on our social media channels. #michigan #michiganelection #michiganelection2024 #detroitmichigan #detroit #vote2024 ♬ original sound - Michigan Public
Ashwood is a real-estate advisor and he’s voting for Vice President Kamala Harris.
He says in previous elections, he was just coming out of college and voted with his core values and beliefs. Now he feels the pressures of being an emerging middle class citizen, new homeowner, and new father.
“I think that the message has been muddied in what the American dream is, who deserves to have it and how do you get there.”
Priorities: Policing, universal health care, student debt, taxes
Jessica Mayfield-Ashwood, Detroit, 27
Mayfield-Ashwood is a licensed social worker currently acting as a therapist. She plans to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Mayfield-Ashwood is concerned about health care debt and student loan debt, especially interest rates.
The couple had a baby in early September and she worries about the world he will grow up in, with debt and racial profiling. She’s hoping for a world where that isn’t a concern.
“I am hoping for a peaceful election and transition and making sure that everyone is informing themselves during the vote.”
Priorities: Universal health care, policing, racial profiling, student debt
