Last week, my partner and I drove to Austin, Texas to join with Erica Felicella and friends to help create The Shrinking Ballot.
Devin Alejandro Wilder and Cassie Felicella. Photo by Dylan Hollingsworth
Ever since I gained the right to do so, I have been an active voter. From national to local elections, I research candidates and vote every single year. I help my students navigate how to register and how to determine if a candidate aligns with their values. I never say who to vote for, but nurture the habit of casting ballots based on facts.
I can get to the polls easily because of the privileges I carry: internet access, a car, an ID, and time to wait in line on a day off. When Erica described her plan for The Shrinking Ballot, I agreed to help without hesitation. Having a truly representative democracy depends on a fair and accessible voting system, and this month Texas must address if voter restrictions will become normalized.
View of the boxes pre-install
Erica’s team created two sets of ballot boxes from white cardboard which decreased in size, with no openings to accept votes. The largest boxes were seven feet in length, and the smallest were tiny one-inch cubes. The first set of shrinking boxes went with Erica to be part of her performance on the steps of the Texas State Capitol. I was on a team of three who delivered the second set of boxes to public spaces around the city. With Erica in an American flag morph suit, and the team in jumpsuits and masks, we performed and installed this piece as anonymous Americans.
Erica Felicella and Cassie Felicella. Photo by Dylan Hollingsworth
Jennifer Wester, Reo Casey, and Laura Lawson. Photo by Dylan Hollingsworth
Laura Lawson placing the smallest ballot box. Photo by Dylan Hollingsworth
Erica Felicella at the Texas State Capitol. Photo by Dylan Hollingsworth
I didn’t encounter witnesses of The Shrinking Ballot, so I can only speculate what they might have thought of our boxes appearing and disappearing in Austin. What I do know is how remarkably well Erica was treated when questioned by police. Much of this is due to how well she planned the piece to ensure the safety of participants and viewers, but much like our ability to vote, privilege helped. The piece was performed in full without any harassment, arrests, fines, or other issues. This is free speech as it should be.
It brings me joy that Austin welcomed us, and I hope witnesses of the performance feel empowered to protect their ballot, now and forever.
Read Erica’s words and full artist credits here on her website.