The fatal shooting of Central High School student William Parsons last week motivated Providence voter Sam Smiley, 51, who is new to town, to dig in and research the many candidates before her today.

Smiley voted at Saint Martin De Porres polling station in Providence, but did not wish to share who she voted for.

Parsons' death made her take a closer look at her neighborhood and how she can create change, she said.

Smiley said she really wanted to make her vote count.

- with reports from Madeleine List, Journal staff writer