This story is part of a special series where Planet Detroit’s neighborhood reporters hit the streets to capture local perspectives on voting and civic participation. Through interviews with community members across Detroit, we explore the challenges, motivations, and hopes that shape how our neighbors engage with the democratic process. These stories spotlight the diverse voices and experiences that define voting in our city, offering a window into the ways Detroiters view their role in shaping the future.

Neighborhood Reporting Lab is supported by the Americana and Kresge Foundations.

Meghan Rutigliano: Thanks for meeting with me, Anthony. Could you share your full name, age, occupation, and where you live?

Anthony Baber: Sure! I’m Anthony Baber, 36 years old, and I’m the Director of Communications and Culture at Detroit Action, a grassroots group working to build political power and visibility for Black and Brown Detroiters. I live in the North End, near Boston-Edison.

Meghan: That’s a great area! How long have you been in Detroit, and where are you from originally?

Anthony: Almost three years now. I’m originally from Saginaw, Michigan.

Meghan: Awesome. Are you voting this year?

Anthony: Absolutely.

Meghan: Do you believe your vote makes a difference?

Anthony: Yes, but not in a vacuum. Every vote counts for something, but collective voting ensures that your vote aligns with your community’s priorities. It’s crucial to connect with others who share your concerns. If you’re focused on a particular issue, like supporting soft skills over just hard economic skills, finding others with similar priorities strengthens your vote.

Meghan: That’s insightful. What issues are you most focused on in this election?

Anthony: My top priority is housing. Keeping renters and homeowners in their homes and finding resources to support Detroiters is crucial. When you’re part of a community, you’re stronger together, especially when it comes to fighting for fair treatment and against displacement.

Meghan: So, housing is a key issue for you. What about health, climate, or environmental concerns?

Anthony: Environmental issues intersect with housing. You might have a house, but if it’s surrounded by factories or expressways, the quality of life drops. As someone familiar with places like Flint, I’ve seen the impact of environmental neglect. We need accountability for environmental damage and leaders committed to reversing those harmful decisions.

Meghan: Absolutely. Did you catch either of the recent national political conventions?

Anthony: I didn’t actively watch either. As someone in communications, I understand the role of narratives in campaigns, but the “dog and pony show” of conventions can be off-putting. Both sides could focus more on the needs of the people they’re asking to vote.

Meghan: Any additional thoughts on the upcoming election?

Anthony: Election protection is big for me—ensuring the vote count is secure and poll workers are safe. If we want people to feel confident in the system, it’s crucial to protect these aspects of the process, especially when it comes to Black and brown neighborhoods, where we often see the most interference.

Meghan: Absolutely. So, what would it take to help people feel safe to vote?

Anthony: It starts from the top. Voting should feel like a community event. The people working at the polls are from your neighborhood. A shared commitment to safety and care at polling places would go a long way in encouraging people to engage. If we want a more civically engaged society, ensuring safety at polling places is the least we can do.

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Meghan Rutigliano is an emerging journalist residing in Lafayette Park, known for her weekly contributions to Outlier Media’s “Get Busy.” Meghan participated in this winter’s Planet Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab to improve her writing skills and deepen her connection to like-minded residents across the metro area.