First-time voters cite family stakes in midterm race

Nicole Solis-Sison, a 34-year-old New York City resident, cast her ballot in the general election as a newly naturalized citizen. She moved to the United States from the Philippines at age seven after her family sought asylum. Her parents had fled the Philippine government, and an immigration agent at her Los Angeles home recommended they file for asylum rather than be deported.

Solis-Sison spent more than two decades in the immigration system before becoming a citizen earlier this year. She created a personal voter guide and diary for this election. She stated that her experience gives her a sense of responsibility to protect others currently facing the same legal hurdles.

Juan Escalante, 37, is voting in his first general election after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2025. He moved from Venezuela to Florida at age 11 and discovered he was undocumented during his junior year of high school. His parents hired a lawyer who mishandled their immigration case, which delayed their status. He later gained protection through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and became the first member of his family to graduate college.

Escalante lives in California and received a mail-in ballot. He researched every proposition and candidate on the lengthy form. He said he views his vote as a way to support his family and community, noting that his parents are green card holders but still worry about their future status.

Deisy España, a 24-year-old Wisconsin resident, is voting for her parents, who are from Mexico. She was born in the U.S. and has always been a citizen, but her parents were undocumented during her childhood. Her mother recently obtained a green card, but España said the fear of ICE detention remains for many in her family. She said she votes for her parents because they cannot vote themselves.

Leydi Gonzalez, a 23-year-old Texas resident, is also voting with her family in mind. Both of her parents are from El Salvador. After turning 21, Gonzalez petitioned for her parents to gain legal status. They now have authorization to remain in the U.S. and are awaiting residency approval. Gonzalez said her family discussed who would care for her siblings if her parents were detained.

Gonzalez is voting in a high-profile U.S. Senate race in Texas. Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton in the state, which has historically voted Republican. Gonzalez said she feels a sense of security when voting for her family, citing the recent killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Texas as a factor in the current stakes.