First-time voters in Central Florida weigh family stakes

Voters in Central Florida are heading to the polls this Tuesday with personal histories that extend beyond their own lives. For many residents, the act of casting a ballot is tied directly to the legal status of their parents, siblings, and extended family members who live in the region.

Nicole Solis-Sison, 34, arrived in the United States from the Philippines at age seven with her family, who were fleeing government pursuit. She recently became a citizen after living in the country for more than two decades. Solis-Sison is voting for the first time in a general election this year. She created a personal voter guide to help her navigate the choices.

Juan Escalante, 37, grew up in South Florida and came from Venezuela at age 11. He discovered he was undocumented during his junior year of high school after his parents mishandled their immigration case. Escalante gained protection through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. He became a citizen in 2025 and is now voting in his first general election.

Escalante said he researched every proposition on his ballot carefully. He wants his vote to reflect his values as a Latino and an immigrant. He noted that his parents hold green cards, but the family still worries about their future status in the United States.

Deisy España, 24, was born in the United States and has always been a citizen. Her parents are from Mexico and were undocumented for much of her childhood. España said she did not understand why her mother prayed during traffic stops until she realized her parents feared being handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Her mother recently received a green card, but España still feels the impact of recent immigration enforcement.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, lives in Texas, which is part of the broader Central Florida regional coverage area for this story. Both of her parents are from El Salvador. Gonzalez turned 21 recently and used her new age to petition for her parents' legal status. They currently have authorization to remain in the country and are waiting for residency approval.

Gonzalez said her family discussed who would care for her siblings if her parents were detained. She cited the recent killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Texas as a reason for her concern. She is voting with the hope that a change in Congress could bring policy shifts.

These voters share a common motivation. They view their first or early ballots as a way to protect those who cannot vote. Solis-Sison feels a weight to help those getting left behind. España said she votes for her parents. Gonzalez said the vote provides a sense of security for her family.