BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — After many years spent working to become a U.S. citizen, a Blount County woman is doing her part for democracy.
Suheir Tabanja came to Knoxville from the West Bank with a dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. She fulfilled that dream over the spring and said she was eager to walk into a polling location for the first time as a citizen, the Blount County Public Library.
"To be honest, it's my first time to vote in my whole life," Tabanja said. "I did never vote ever before."
She comes from a place with many obstacles, especially for women, Tabanja said. While they are legally allowed can vote and can participate in many aspects of society, Tabanja said it's often a facade.
"Our voice is not always heard. They may let you vote or be a member of any quota for any organization, but your voice is not important," Tabanja said. "I was working in a labor union in Palestine, and the board usually has like 22 men and two ladies. Usually, the men does everything and vote, everything, and they (women) are just an image."
By voting in Blount County, she said she felt like she took one more step on her journey toward becoming an American.
"That feels tremendously good, because I finally want to practice that democratic process, that I can vote," Tabanja said.
She said she wants her children to learn about voting and cast ballots, continuing the new family tradition as they grow older. She said they researched the election together.
She said some of the most pressing issues that influenced her decision were rising prices, and the economy.
"I'd like to achieve some economic justice, help us to lower some prices for the groceries, for the school, supplies, for the gas, for the cars that we use every day," Tabanja said. "I can choose by myself, the one who will represent me and the one that will help me to achieve my hopes and my dreams for me and my family."