Westchester County lawyer and legislator David T. Imamura served as a guest speaker for the American Legal System class on Tuesday Nov. 10,  sharing his experience as a legislator and voting rights attorney. Imamura represents District 12, which includes Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Hastings-on-Hudson, Hartsdale, Ardsley and Edgemont.

Imamura grew up in Irvington and attributes his success in law and politics to an early start. In his junior year of high school Imamura interned for Andrea Stewart-Cousins. From this role he said he learned about gerrymandering and election law, giving him the foundation to serve as the Chair of the New York State Redistricting Commission. 

Because students are entering the election law and voting rights unit, Imamura discussed the impact students can have on the legal system. 

He said, “You all have the ability to make change, but it’s up to you to do it.”

He emphasized that all people can bring ideas to the table that can impact and generate laws. He said that participation of all citizens in the electoral system is increasingly important, especially given the current political turmoil.

 “You’re 17-18 years old. I want you to know that life has not always been like this. It’s up to you to change that,” Imamura said.

For the soon to be 18-year-old seniors in the American Legal System class, Imamura said this message served as a reminder that political decisions can impact communities and that civic engagement is incredibly important.

Throughout the speaker event, students asked questions about gerrymandering, the recent wins of the Democratic Party and Imamura’s role in shaping laws in the RiverTowns.

The opportunity to speak with Imamura gave the students insight into real-world implications of election law, a topic they will soon cover in class. 

Lane Schott ‘27, a student in the American Legal System who attended the event said, “It was really interesting to hear about our local elections and how much change has been made right in front of us.”

She continued, “I felt inspired to hear how much we can accomplish ourselves.”