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Obama raises headlines When we vote at the University of Miami
Andrew West, News-Press

Correction: An earlier version of this story included the wrong spelling of the name of a rally participant.

CORAL GABLES – Michelle Obama presented her registration campaign at the University of Miami on Friday, bringing together thousands of students and residents to "have a say in the issues that matter to us."

It was his last stop Week of Action tour for When We All Vote at Watsco Center at the University of Miami, in front of a crowd of about 6,000 people. The former first lady co-chairs the non-partisan organization, which aims to encourage voting.

In front of an audience whose shirts carry the inscription "Register to vote", "#MSDStrong", "Andrew Gillum for the governor" and "I support family planning", Mr. Obama pointed out that the vote was how to ensure that citizens are heard.

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"It's time for us to get out of the way and let you lead," Obama told the audience's youth, many of whom brought up the hand sign from the university while she was speaking directly to them. "It's not about me anymore, it's not about Barack, but about you."

Obama pointed out that she "was not content with a candidate" and did not mention any name of elected. But she said that she was frustrated by the "daily chaos", the "pettiness" and the "pettiness" of politics, adding that every time she wanted to block everything, she was thinking about her father, who was sure that he was voting at every election.

"He went to vote for the same reason that he went to work – to support his family," Obama said.

She pointed out that every vote counts, saying "you all know something about it here in Florida". In addition to the infamous recount of the 2000 presidential election, Obama cited the election of the Cocoa Beach City Commission in 2016, during which Commissioner Karalyn Woulas won the vote with eight votes .

"If a candidate is elected with a turnout of less than 37%, and if we assume that opponents get a portion of those votes, it means that the percentage of people who actually voted for that candidate is even lower," Obama said. "So, if you are an elected official who wins with these margins, who are you looking for once you are in the office? … If a storm hits and the lights go out, what neighborhood are you going to make sure? power up first? "

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The series preceding Obama included actor Keegan-Michael Key, singer Kelly Rowland, lawyer and political advocate Angela Rye and gospel artist Erica Campbell. Faith Hill, co-chair of We We Vote Vote, was scheduled to speak, but missed the event due to flight problems.

Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of United United Teachers of Dade County, and Gabriella Ruiz, a student at Miami Dade College, work for the Florida Immigrant Coalition.

Rye told the audience that Action Week included 2,000 voter registration events in 49 states, before returning the audience to "our first lady forever ". Dozens of students from the University of Miami, standing in front of the stage, raised their hands when Rye asked how many people were voters for the first time.

"When we all vote, we demand our power," Rye said. "Do not let anyone tell you that your vote does not matter, that your voice counts little … when we all vote, we are unstoppable."

An animated key emphasized that young people use their voices.

"Seize your power! Grab your power! "Cried Key." Make a change in this world. Period."

Britney Marie Harris, a rally participant, is a 27-year-old South Florida teacher and motivational speaker. She said she was enthusiastic after hearing the speech of Obama.

"I told my friends that I think in the presidential elections we all go out in numbers, but not in local elections," said Harris. "So, I think it was great to give us energy and excite us for the upcoming elections, and I think that's what I personally needed to stoke." this fire beneath me. "

She said the speakers made her feel proud to have the right to vote.

"It's such a privilege that many of us take for granted that many people may not have it, or that they do not cherish it," he said. she declared. "So I'm more than happy to go out and vote, I'm ready."

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