A Cuban resident in Miami who identifies as republican announced that she voted for democratic candidates in the United States midterm elections and explained that her decision was motivated by the situation of immigrants, access to healthcare, rejection of racism, and her understanding of freedom.
"Today I voted, I am a Republican and I cast my vote for the DEMOCRAT," wrote Miriam Bidot this Saturday in a Facebook post, where she defended her decision and explained the reasons why she chose to distance herself from her party affiliation when casting her ballot.
Bidot, whose profile indicates that he resides in Miami, linked his vote to his personal experience of arriving in the United States and enjoying opportunities that, as he stated, should also be accessible to others seeking to build a life in freedom.
"Because everyone who is doing the right thing and is not a criminal should have the opportunity I had years ago to experience the happiness of living in freedom," he wrote.
The Cuban also expressed concern for those facing difficulties in obtaining medical care due to the lack of health coverage.
"For all the sick people who today cannot have health insurance, because this is also what it means to be free," he expressed in one of the most significant parts of his message.
For Bidot, freedom is not limited to living in a democratic country, but is also related to the ability to access health services, express differing opinions, and live daily life without fear.
In her post, the Miami resident condemned racism and defended respect for those with differing opinions.
"Because I am against racism and because there is nothing that resembles communism more than a dictatorship or refusing to accept different viewpoints," he added.
The Cuban concluded her reflection with a recommendation aimed at those who have not yet participated in the elections: "THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE!"
Although she identifies as a Republican, Bidot did not specify in her message which Democratic candidates she voted for nor did she detail whether her decision covered all the races included on the ballot.
Her post sparked numerous reactions on Facebook, where some users celebrated her public expression of a decision different from her usual political identification, while others rejected her arguments and defended the Republican Party.
Among the positive comments, one person stated that the important thing was not to vote for a specific party, but to take into account "democracy, security, and the economic well-being of everyone."
Another response appreciated that Bidot had linked his vote to the situation of immigrants and pointed out that there are hard-working individuals who have come to the United States with hopes of thriving and deserve opportunities.
Thank you for thinking of others and recognizing that there are good, hardworking people who have come to this beautiful country with a strong desire to thrive, wrote a user.
The message also received praise from individuals who expressed their shared rejection of discrimination and their concern for families affected by immigration policies.
"Thank you for voting. Nowadays, it's more than just a party. It's voting for humanity," expressed another user, who cited health insurance, the ability to live without fear, and rejection of racism among the reasons supporting their stance.
However, not everyone agreed with Bidot's decision.
A person responded with a warning about the consequences that, in their opinion, a Democratic victory could have: "Your grandchildren are screwed, communism around the corner."
Another user rejected the positions favorable to the Democrats and expressed support for President Donald Trump with a brief comment: "Donald Trump the best."
Among the critical responses, there was also an extensive defense of the Republican vote, in which one participant argued that their priorities included border security, the right to bear arms, religious freedom, and the future composition of the Supreme Court.
The commentator also stated that the Democrats are politically exploiting the situation of undocumented immigrants and defended the Dignity Act, a legislative proposal promoted by Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar.
The testimony of Bidot was revealed just one day after another Cuban Republican, Lisbeth Arzola Fadragas, announced that she had also voted Democrat, despite having previously supported Donald Trump.
Arzola shared a video recorded after voting, in which he expressed his surprise at having made a different decision compared to previous elections.
"I just exercised my right to vote. Today I voted Democrat. I can hardly believe it. I belong to the Republican Party," he stated.
The Cuban explained that her rejection of communism did not prevent her from criticizing actions of the U.S. government that she disagreed with.
The video sparked a broad discussion about the electoral preferences of Cubans living in the United States.
Criticism of the current administration has also come from Cuban figures who maintain their affiliation with the Republican Party.
On October 18, Cuban doctor Manuel Guerra warned of a possible Republican defeat in the November elections and attributed this to Trump's administration for what he described as unfulfilled promises and political decisions that could harm his own party.
Guerra, who publicly identifies as a Republican, expressed his concern about the direction of the political organization, although his reflection did not constitute an announcement that he would vote for Democratic candidates.
These testimonies come to light as early voting progresses for the legislative elections scheduled for November 3rd.
This Sunday, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe had collectively surpassed 416,000 votes cast, including ballots sent by mail and in-person votes.
Registered voters affiliated with the Democratic Party led voter turnout in those three counties, although the party affiliation numbers do not allow for determining which candidates voters favored or predicting electoral outcomes.
Related videos:
Filed under: