Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — Having a say in who leads your country is rare in most places. For Americans, it’s just a right.
Oftentimes, Americans take for granted having the privilege to makes these choices. One American says that will never be her.
Mary Quinn Oley was born in Scotland and immigrated to the United States as a child. In 1973, she became a citizen because the act of voting was something she refused to pass up.
“I just feel very privileged to vote.” said Oley, “And that some of the people in different countries can’t vote? It’s a shame. It really, truly is.”
Oley has always had an interest in politics. At 18 years-old, she was an election watcher for Lee Alexander when he ran for mayor in Syracuse. She and her sister also worked for Robert Kennedy in the late sixties.
Now, Oley lives in Manlius and came out to vote in her village election to voice her concerns.
“There were some things that I did not care for that have been happening in the village of Manlius,” Oley explained. “So I decided that I needed to come out and vote and let my voice speak to what I didn’t like.”
In a country where we often forget how lucky we are, Oley will always remember what the power of her vote can do for America.
