Why I Will Vote: Maryam Hosseinkhah

I will vote for small changes.

The Iranian people coming into street during the campaign remind me of revolution days 30 years ago.

People promise big changes with their mottoes of equality and freedom.

But I know there won’t be a big change this time, no matter who wins the presidential election. We still have a long, long way to go to achieve freedom and equality.

I’m not sure if my vote will bring back to life those small groups that were fighting for change, and were totally suffocated in these four recent years.

I am not sure if my vote will give me the space to act freely on my city streets.

I am not t sure if my vote will stop the arrest of students, women activists. workers, teachers, and others.

But I will vote for small change.

I will vote because I want to freely read a newspaper every morning.

I will vote because I want to buy my favorite book.

I will vote because I want to watch my favorite movie in the cinema.

I will vote because I don’t want to afraid of being arrested in the street when my clothes are a bit short.

I vote for these small wishes.

I have a big wish for myself and my country, but I have learned to be patient.

I learned to be patient when I was awaiting the freedom of my friends in front of Evin prison.

I learned to be patient when I was trying to get people to sign a petition in favor of an equality law.

I learned to be patient when I was trying to explain to my interrogator that I am not a danger to national security, and that all I want is a bit of freedom and equality.

Through all of that, I learned to be patient for change.

I won’t vote expecting the new president to change all of the things the people want. I know this is impossible to expect in such a short time.

But I am voting for hope. I will try to reach my dreams.

I vote to give us more breathing room.

I vote for this small desire.