Young Cuban-American to Cast First Vote in Miami Despite Political Differences with Family: "I Want Them to Be Proud"

At 21 years old, Lya Noriega, originally from Cuba, is preparing to cast her first vote in the United States this Tuesday, November 3rd. She moved to Miami when she was just three years old and, despite growing up in a Republican household, her political leanings have taken a different path.

Identifying as a Democrat, Noriega admits that political discussions at home often lead to tension. Nevertheless, she views voting as a way to honor the sacrifices her parents made when they left Cuba.

In a feature by Sofia Baltodano for FIU Caplin News, shared by WLRN and later picked up by CBS News Miami on October 15th, Noriega shared that her final push to engage politically came after seeing a 2018 satirical ad titled "Dear Young People, Don't Vote."

The video, which resurfaced on social media prior to the midterm elections, humorously depicted older adults encouraging the youth not to vote while downplaying issues like climate change and gun violence.

Noriega realized the significance of being an active participant in her community's decisions because of the ad's message.

As a Biology student at Miami Dade College, she sometimes faces ridicule from her family, who dismiss her views with labels like "woke." This often leaves her feeling isolated and frustrated during these conversations.

Despite their differences, Noriega acknowledges that her family's experiences under Cuba's communist regime have shaped their Republican beliefs. While she doesn't share their views, she understands their fears and respects their history on the island.

One rare area of agreement is their mutual opposition to immigration raids. This sentiment is echoed in the FIU Cuba Poll 2026 which revealed that 76% of surveyed Cuban-Americans in Miami-Dade disapprove of increased deportations of Cubans without legal status and without criminal records.

The poll also highlighted generational differences: among Cuban-Americans under 40, 40% identify as Republican, 34% as independent, and 24% as Democrat.

Environmental protection is another priority for Noriega. Her aspiration to become a marine biologist was fueled by her experiences visiting Florida's southern beaches and going on fishing trips with her father, who supplies local restaurants.

In September, she completed an internship at the University of Miami, where she was involved in research on coral reefs and fish populations.

Behind this professional dream is an unfulfilled family ambition: her father had dreamed of becoming a marine biologist in Cuba but never had the chance to pursue it.

Now, Lya hopes to achieve that goal and seize the opportunities her parents sought when they settled in the U.S.

Though her first vote may not align with her family's preferences, she emphasizes that her choice is not a rejection of her roots or the sacrifices made by those who brought her to Miami.

"I do this partly for them," she declared. "I remember all their hardships and just want them to be proud of me."