Perry (far right) with daughters and grandkids

Ruthann Perry, 50, of Virginia Beach, Va. is a first-time voter. Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, the mother of four girls and 10 grandchildren will cast her first vote in the 2008 election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Perry now owns a daycare center in Virginia Beach. Her center keeps five kids, all of whom she claims are Obama supporters. After hearing Obama’s speeches, she became an Obama supporter and first time voter.

Research shows Perry is not alone. According to a recent Pew Report, one out of 10 voters in 2008 are voting for the first time. And as an African American, Perry is one of the 21 percent of first-time voters who are black.

Why have you chosen to vote in this election?
I’ve chosen to vote because of Obama. Obama means change. This country needs a change. I like Obama. I like what he is saying about medical (health care) issues.

Why is this election important to you?
Because America needs a change. I think Obama is that change. I’m also concerned about medical issues and education for the children.

Why didn’t you vote in the past?
I know it seems silly but I didn’t want get picked for jury duty, that’s my reason. But I didn’t know that you don’t have to be a voter to be selected for jury duty.

What issues matter to you most in this election?
Medical. I’m worried about how some people can’t afford medical care. Obama is going to make medical care affordable for people like me. My daughter had cancer. She was denied health care insurance. They gave it to me. Since I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, they have now denied my health insurance. Obama is saying that medical care will be available for everyone.

Are you voting for Obama because he is black?
Yes and no. Yes, in a way it does matter to me. But, I just like what he was saying. He could be purple. He was just saying the right thing. What got me was the medical care. A lot of people are dying because they can’t afford it.

How did you register to vote?
People actually came to my door. They told me that I was on some list. They said the process would only take two seconds. I think they were students. They had all of my information on the paper. All I had to do was verify it and sign. My [voter registration] card was sent in the mail. It was really easy. This was the first time they’ve done this—come to my door and asked me to vote. Now all I have to do is go vote.

Did you have to declare a party affiliation during registration?
No, I just had to verify my information.

When are you voting?
I’m voting on Election Day. It’s going to be difficult because I run a daycare. I am going to get to the polls at 5 a.m. The polls open at 6 a.m.

Did you consider early voting?
Yes, I did, but I missed it. I didn’t know where I was going to go. I had to go to DMV. I missed it.

Since you are voting for Obama, do you think he will win?
Yes, I do. A lot of people are voting for him, especially young kids. A lot of them are telling me they are voting for him. I have a nephew who just turned 18. He is voting for Obama.

Do you think that one vote counts?
Yes. I didn’t think so before but now I do. I realize that it makes a difference in what we want. It is because of Obama. I just listened to his speech. I liked what he was saying.

Note: also posted on Pop+Politics

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