Their First Time...

Cyril Jacobs, 47; Crown Heights, Brooklyn

• Social worker
• From Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
• Moved to NYC in 1994

1. Whom are you voting for and why? “Barack Obama, because I see within him a greater opportunity for change. The fact that someone unknown has presented an opportunity for others to listen and work together is in line with the values of my social work.”

2. What are elections like in your home country? “Very similar, except we have a prime minister, no term limits and a five-year term.”

3. How does the U.S. system compare? “[In my country] there’s an active Opposition party that votes for or against new laws and regulations. People are known to have ‘crossed the floor,’ just like the Connecticut Democrat who declared himself an Independent. While our republican constitution caters for a president, the position is symbolic and ceremonial. She or he has no major political influence.”

—Alyssa Pinsker

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