New citizen, new voter: 'I want my voice to be heard' (polls close at 8 Central)

[Omaha Steve]

This story is about Elisabetta. She just happens to be holding an Obama sign, so I posted her story here for everybody to read.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10334011

Published Tuesday May 13, 2008

BY CINDY GONZALEZ
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Elisabetta Dudley is a new American citizen casting her first ballot today.

It's a vote that's been delayed for years by federal rules and residency requirements so frustrating that at one point the Italian wife of a U.S. Defense Department worker nearly gave up.

But she plugged away, longing to feel part of the crowd singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at baseball games.

Aching for an inside view of why an American teacher she knew would get teary-eyed when explaining the history of the Civil War.


Elisabetta Dudley is so excited about being a citizen that she's an election volunteer.


Determined to pledge allegiance with her U.S. citizen daughter before the girl graduated from high school.

"I love American tradition," said Dudley, 46. "I want my voice to be heard, my vote to count."

FULL story at link.

[islandmkl]

1. another fine post from o.s...

who does more pre-posting research/discovery than most anyone here at DU...