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.
Ambirr Momon: Hello Edwin, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Please start by telling me your name, age, and occupation.
Edwin Taylor: My name is Edwin Taylor. I’m 23 years old, and I work as a business technician for a nonprofit organization.
Ambirr: Great. Where do you live? How long have you lived there?
Edwin: I live in a neighborhood just outside of Detroit, and I’ve been living there for over 15 years now.
Ambirr: Okay, and are you planning to vote in the upcoming election? Do you believe your vote makes a difference?
Edwin: Yes, I am planning to vote. I absolutely believe that my vote makes a difference. I think every vote, especially from the Black community, is so important. If we come together and vote collectively, we can really influence the outcomes and create positive change.
Ambirr: That’s a great perspective. Can you share the top 3 issues on the ballot that you care most about?
Edwin: The top issues for me are the Project 2025 initiative—there’s a lot of uncertainty and propaganda around it, so I want to understand it better—and the lack of funding for schools, especially in urban areas like ours. Quality education is crucial, and the changes happening with public transportation—I want to stay informed on how that’s evolving.
Ambirr: Those are all very important issues. How do health, climate, and environment affect your voting decisions?
Edwin: Climate change and global warming are huge concerns for me. People underestimate how severe and urgent these issues are. If we don’t act quickly, the problems will keep getting worse and harder to solve. So, those environmental factors are a big priority when I’m voting.
Ambirr: Did you watch the Republican and Democratic National Conventions? If so, how did the speakers address your health and environmental concerns?
Edwin: Yes, I watched both conventions. I don’t feel like they properly addressed those concerns, neither party, because I feel like there’s so much of a focus on the battle against one another, rather than the battle for ourselves.
Ambirr: Okay, that makes sense. So what climate, environment and health concerns are most pressing to you and the people in your community? Is it air quality, access to clean water, climate resilience, green jobs or something else?
Edwin: If I could say all of the above, I would, but if I had to pick one, I would definitely say clean water, because I’ve been directly affected by the lack of clean water.
Ambirr: And is there anything else you would like to share about voting this year in the upcoming election?
Edwin: Um, there’s nothing specific I want to share. I just want to spread encouragement to vote, and if you don’t favor either main party, look into a third option. Look into the Green Party because there are more options than just blue or red.
