We the People’s Forum: What Do Everyday Americans Think of the 2022 Elections?

It’s almost two years since one of the most controversial elections in American history, with the highest voter turnout in a very long time. In many states, re-evaluation of voting processes are on-going, after questions about ballot access or possible fraud.

As we come up to the next general election, we want to hear what ordinary, working Americans are thinking and feeling about the 2022 elections.

Do you intend to vote? Why? Is it a particular issue or candidate that motivates you? Will you be voting “for” or “against”? Do you have any hopes or fears regarding the outcome of Congressional elections?

Our first speakers include a Democratic-leaning pharmacy technician and union leader, a Republican-leaning Iraq war veteran and union lineman, a conservative-leaning union railroad worker, and a former organic farmer who has typically voted Democratic but today identifies with the “exhausted majority.”

Then, it’s the people’s turn to speak.

We The People’s Forums are an opportunity for the people who make this country function everyday–the important people who are not politicians, or talking heads on screens, or opinion writers in the big newspapers–- to make their voices heard.

Here’s how it works:

First part: our first speakers talk about their experiences and perspectives, their concerns about their own positions, and what they see in common.

Second part: it’s Q and E time: anyone may ask a question, and anyone with direct experience on the issue is encouraged to talk about their experience.

Join us for this We the People’s Forum, as we try to understand each other and what’s at stake in November.

This event is open to the general public.

Our first speakers:

Chris Adams: “I am a 37 year-old father of four boys, 13, 10, 5, & 3. Very handy, jack-of-all trades, master of none. Enjoy the outdoors, social gatherings (at times), fishing, boating, riflemanship, and proud to be American. USMC Veteran, served during Iraq war, 2007-09. Passionate about saving the earth, preserving humanity, and taking care of family. My first job was at a nursing home in the kitchen as a server/dishwasher. Currently I am a high voltage lineman foreman employed out of IBEW LU126.”

Carlos Aviles: “I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and am a 3rd generation Puerto Rican native; I proudly served our country in the Army as a MP for 4.5 years. I have 11+ years in Temple’s Inpatient Pharmacy as a Pyxis support specialist. My proudest affiliation at Temple is being a union member: not just a union member, a PASNAP union member. I have held numerous roles in my local union, Temple University Hospital Allied Health Professionals. I was a member at large of our Executive Board for 3 years, Grievance Chair for over 5 years, then Vice President. I am currently President of the union, in my second term and counting.”

Charles Stallworth: “I am a union railroad worker in Houston, Texas. My writing has been published at Newsweek.com, including an article, ‘I Asked 100 Fellow Blue Collar Workers to Name Their Top Concerns. They All Said the Same Thing.’”

Stacy Guidotti: “I am a former organic farmer from Corvallis, Oregon, who identifies with the ‘exhausted majority.’”

** This event is open to the media upon approval. Media contact: Ciaran O’Connor, ciaran@braverangels.org

About Braver Angels and We the People’s Forum

Braver Angels is a citizen’s organization that brings Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. We the People’s Forum is a Braver Angels event where everyday Americans get time at the podium. We hear from people who are often spoken of, but rarely spoken with, on the most important issues of the day. Learn more at www.braverangels.org/wpp