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Colorado nonprofit helps Denver neighborhood vote for the first time

Re:Vision wanted to combat low voter turnout rates traditionally seen in Denver's Westwood neighborhood.

DENVER — A food insecurity nonprofit in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood is serving its community in more ways than one on Election Day.

About 900 families rely on Re:Vision for groceries every week. The executive director said Westwood typically has low voter turn out and the organization wanted to change that. Re:Vision also had a mobile voting clinic set up on Election Day.

On a day where millions of people will cast their ballot, Graciela Mirdanda is happy to be just one of them.

“Oh, I feel so proud of me, myself,” Mirdanda said. “It's just my first time [voting.]"

Mariana del Hierro is the executive director of Re:Vision. She said they've been working for years to set up a voting site on their campus. They're hoping to get more people like Graciela to cast their vote. 

“Our voice is only heard if they participate in elections,” del Hierro said. “We recognize that, you know, we are not going to drastically change that rate in one election cycle, but we do expect to move the needle.”

For a group focused around food, every "I voted" sticker comes with a savory treat. 

“So yesterday, we had La Rena del Sur giving away free tacos, and today we have Las Caras giving away free Tamales,” del Hierro said.

“I just want to say, I feel great because I'm voting today and invite a lot of people to come and, and voting,” Mirdanda said.

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