Halloween decorations still hang from the windows of Baywood Avenue, where Orlando’s middle class lives. Mainly Afro-Caribbeans, but also Haitians, Jamaicans, a land of choice traditionally won over to the Democrats. But for four years, Florida has gradually turned red, the color of the Republicans. Joe Biden, however, went there at the start of the week, to try to mobilize around his candidates.
>> A few days before the Midterms, the anger of Florida voters against Joe Biden
In the streets, Florida Rising, a coalition of civic organizations, is working hard to mobilize every voice. “Here, we go door to door, we call people, especially to encourage African Americans, to the importance of voting”explains Sophia, one of the volunteers who survey the land.
“Some don’t even want to vote. That’s why you have to have these face-to-face discussions to encourage them.”
Sophia, Member of Florida Rising, Coalition of Democratic Citizen Organizationsat franceinfo
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“Can I talk to you for a minute?” she says. “Are there subjects that count for your vote? The economy, salaries, teachers?” The woman who answers him blows from Jamaica. She no longer has any age, but worn shorts and the damaged hands of one who has worked hard and for a long time. “I never had an abortion, I never intended to,” she says. “But no one has the right to forbid me to have an abortion. It’s only up to me and God!”
On the other sidewalk opposite, there is Michaël. In the presidential election, he voted Republicans. “Why? Because I am against vaccines, bans etc.” “And you agree with the Republicans on women’s rights, for example?” asks a volunteer. “I am not very favorable to abortion, because it is murder”replies Michael. “Okay, I respect your opinion. What about the economy?”adds the volunteer. “That sucks! Everyone knows that.”
Michaël is from Russia, the activists insist: “And you who come from another country, do you not consider yourself an immigrant?” “No, not really”, replies Michaël, but the discussion continues. “You know that social security is at stake in this election? You want to be able to touch your money ?” Inflation, abortion, health, support for migrants, the cost of home insurance, which has become prohibitive : for each, you have to find the right argument to win the vote. A vote in which many no longer believe, too disappointed by the system.
Midterms in the United States: in Florida, the Democratic camp is trying to mobilize voters – Report by Claude Guibal
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