“I’m Casting A Vote For The 26 Who Can’t”
In a powerful and emotional milestone, the survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting are preparing to vote in their first presidential election. Nearly 12 years after 26 first graders and educators were killed in the 2012 tragedy, these survivors, now 18, are looking forward to using their voices to influence change.
A Monumental Moment for Survivors
Grace Fischer, who survived the shooting by hiding as her teacher read The Nutcracker, is one of those first-time voters. Now 18, she and her fellow survivors see this as a “huge turning point” in their lives. “It’s a no-brainer for me,” said Lilly Wasilnak, another survivor.
These survivors have witnessed gun violence become an unfortunate and frequent occurrence across America. For them, voting offers a chance to drive change, especially after years of legislative inaction at the federal level.
Hope for Change: Support for Kamala Harris
Many of the Sandy Hook survivors are backing Kamala Harris for president, citing her commitment to reducing gun violence. Fischer and her peers met Harris on National Gun Violence Awareness Day in June, where the Vice President expressed her support, telling them, “Know that you guys are moving the needle.”
Gun Violence Laws and the Fight Ahead
Since the Sandy Hook tragedy, over 620 gun safety laws have been passed in various states. Emma Brown, executive director of Giffords, emphasized that survivors like Fischer are helping push the conversation forward, stating, “The momentum is there, and the will is there.”
As these young voters cast their ballots, they are doing so in memory of their classmates who lost their lives. “I’m casting a vote for the 26 who can’t,” said Wasilnak, marking this election as both personal and historic.
