“I told you, I can’t vote,” the man stiffened, waving both hands at Juan as if to shoo him away. “I’m not a citizen. That’s illegal.”
Juan rolled his head like he was listening to an old story he’d heard a thousand times before. “That’s what everybody thinks, but it’s not true,” he said smoothly. “That’s why Latinos por la Libertad sent me out here, to educate people about their rights.”
The man’s face was a mask of confusion, “What are you talking about?”
Juan beamed benevolently, “Don’t worry, friend. I can explain it all to you.” He produced the computer tablet he was holding. “Arizona law allows non-citizens to vote in federal elections. And if I can have just a few minutes of your time, I can get you all set up. Let’s go inside to talk about it some more.” Juan beckoned the man to return up his driveway and then, without invitation, followed him inside.
Walking through the front door into his living room, the two men were greeted by the savory aroma of chiles rellenos, a traditional soup made with cheese and egg stuffed chili peppers. “This is Juan,” the man announced bluntly.
“Hmm?” His wife looked up from where she was grilling tortillas. “Welcome!” she said, “Sit down, and I'll get you something to eat.”
Juan quickly set up his tablet on the living room table. “Now, señor, what is your first and last name?”
“Jaime Garcia.”
Juan knew that he was playing with fire. This guy could call the cops any time. He could tell Jaime was still angry that he’d caught Juan searching his mailbox. Nevertheless, Juan had managed to sweet-talk his way into being a guest in his house. I’ve got to smother him with courtesy and respect.
“Jaime Garcia. Great.” Juan typed into the tablet slowly. His mentor, Hector, had just given it to him a few weeks ago and he was still learning how to use it. Fortunately, most forms were pre-loaded before he even went canvassing for ballots. “I’ve got your address right here.” He didn’t ask Jaime many questions because he knew that people would quickly lose interest in the technical aspects of logging on to the Maricopa County voter registration site.
“What are you doing?” Jaime looked over Juan’s shoulder to see what he was working on.
Juan turned slightly in his chair, angling the tablet’s screen so Jaime could see it better. “There you go,” he said cheerfully. “All we need to do now is select the party you want to join. Let’s just go ahead and put you down here as a Republican…”
“Wait a minute,” Jaime said. He'd become exasperated by the whirlwind of activity that he didn’t really understand. “I didn’t say I was joining any party. It’s illegal for me to vote!”
The creases around Juan’s eyes deepened with worry. “Jaime,” he used Jaime’s first name as if they were old friends now. “The deadline for voter registration is in just a few days. The primaries are over, so it really doesn’t matter what party you register with. A primary is when each party chooses who will run for President.”
“I know what the primaries are,” Jaime grumbled. “But it’s still illegal for me to vote.”
With a sigh, Juan dropped his hands into his lap. “Listen, my friend, our people need a voice in this country. You’ve been living here for decades with no say about the laws we have to follow, the schools our kids go to, or the taxes we have to pay.”
Jaime squinted his eyes suspiciously.
I’m losing him, Juan thought, and he sighed deeply. Maybe I’d better try a more direct approach. “OK, Jaime, I can tell you’re a smart guy. Yes, you are right. Technically, you can’t vote because you’re not a citizen. But let me tell you something,” Juan held his hands up to forestall any objections. “The way it works is this… With one more click of this button I can register you to vote. This website doesn't ask for any identification or proof of citizenship. Then, your ballot will come in the mail in a few days. And as long as you only vote in the federal election, and not the state or local elections, no identification will ever be required.”
“I knew it! I told you it was illegal for me to vote!” Jaime exclaimed angrily. “What are you doing, trying to bring me trouble?”
“Hold on, settle down!” Juan pleaded, “Latinos por la Libertad is just trying to give you a voice in your own community. A chance to vote for the first time. A chance to make a difference!"
Jaime jumped to his feet, “I think you better get out of my house right now!” He pointed towards the door.
Juan stood slowly. He nodded his head and obediently turned to go. Then he said, “Señor Garcia, I sincerely apologize if I have offended you.”
“I don’t want any trouble,” he said, somewhat more mildly now that Juan was preparing to leave.
“I understand that voting for the President is not important to you,” Juan added with feigned nonchalance.
“No. I don’t want to do that,” Jaime agreed.
Juan gave him a sly smile, “No, but would you want to do it for two hundred dollars?”
What Will Jaime Garcia Do Next?
Choose Option 1: Take the Money
Choose Option 2: Call the Cops