AIC voting rights exhibit highlights history of democracy on Election Day

Voters and students got to learn about the history of voting at American International College in Springfield. 22 News reporter Gabriela Villas-Boas joins us live in the studio with more about AIC's voting art exhibit. That's right. Students at AIC put together an art exhibit showcasing the history of voting rights in their West Wing Gallery, the same location where voters got to cast their ballots today. Lining the walls of AIC's polling location was a timeline showcasing the history of voting. The faculty tells us their goal is not to tell students or visitors how to vote, but instead to remind them the value of their vote. Strewn across the exhibit is also the preamble to the Constitution, and the assistant dean says he hopes seeing those words, we the people, reminds the community of the power of their voice. We all exist under that we the people umbrella. We the people are the ones who are in charge. We the people elect the leaders, and if we don't care for what they do, we elect new leaders. Below the preamble, visitors can see the evolution of voting rights. Students tell us that this makes it feel all the more special when they're filling out that ballot. I think about how others before me, people that I've never met, people that I've only learned about in class, they... I did the work to make sure that I could stand there and fill in those dots to speak for myself. Students and voters can read about historical figures like Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr. and how they fought for the right to vote for women and people of color. Students and faculty say they hope this installation inspires viewers to use their voices for what they believe in. This exhibit will remain up at AIC through November 10th, and it's accessible to the public from 8.30 a.m. through 4.30 p.m. Working for you, I'm Gabriela Villas-Boas, 22 News.