Katrina M. Frierson, Tennessee Before my convictions, voting was a real essential part of my life. And, in fact, I actually worked on the voting election committee, meaning that I was the one that was sitting out at the polls at five thirty in the morning. When I received my voting rights, oh my God, it was like one of the greatest accomplishments. It made me a better human being, a better member of society. You know, it felt like a marriage. It felt like a birthday or graduation. But most of all, you know, it was a good challenge for me to be a better member of society.