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'There needs to be changes': TMJ4's First Vote student Riley McAdams on why she's voting

Posted at 7:15 PM, Oct 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-26 10:27:40-04

MILWAUKEE — Marquette Freshmen Riley McAdams hopes to run for public office someday.

Her first vote in a presidential election has been one for the ages.

"It's pretty exciting," said McAdams, "I didn't think it would be this way."

Our journey with Riley began while she was a senior at Wauwatosa West - climate change and social injustice were two big issues for her.

She wants former Vice President Joe Biden to be the next president.

Benson: "Do you think you are voting for Joe Biden or against Donald Trump?"

Riley: "I think I am more so voting against Donald Trump - I would have preferred to vote for Bernie Sanders."

But she's committed to the Biden/Harris ticket after seeing how they responded to the pandemic and the protest.

The political science major participated in Black Lives Matter march in Milwaukee.

"I think it's important that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris acknowledged that there is racial injustice," said McAdams, "and that it's systemic and there needs to be changes to our system and laws in order to solve this problem."

Eighteen-to-29-year-olds are traditionally the lowest voter turnout group, with about 50% voting. But Riley hopes that will change this year.

"With social media and the protest and things like that, that the candidates were aware of how much power these next few generations are going to have," said McAdams.

For now - as she drops off her ballot, Riley feels empowered by letting her voice be heard.

"I definitely do," said McAdams, "because I know how important every single vote is in this election."

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