First I would like to introduce myself. My name is Zayrha Rodriguez, age 19 and I’m currently in college majoring in Journalism/Mass Communications. I was born in Bogota, Colombia, but at the age of 14, I moved to Miami. Right now, under the law I’m a permanent resident, which makes me a green card holder. Given my status, I cannot participate in the elections in November, which pains me deeply.

Since I can remember, I have always hear my mom talking about how important is to vote. Additionally, almost every time she went to vote, I would go with her and see how was the process. That is when I realized that voting, the act itself, does not take more than five minutes. You receive your ballot, carefully read the instructions and hopefully after doing some research, you select your candidate for office. I couldn’t wait until I finally turned 18 and exercise my right.

The day finally came when I was old enough to vote, yet something was not in the place I had always had imagine. I was not in the right place. I moved. New country, new laws. My dream to vote is now on hold until the year 2020, when I’ll be 23 and be a United States citizen—and hopefully better options than this year.

However, you, my beautiful reader, can vote when November rolls around, and I am beyond happy to tell you that you are my voice in this election. As a US citizen, you are not only the voice for anyone under 18, but also for thousands immigrants. Many of those immigrants are just counting the years, months or days when they can start to apply for their citizenship. If you were wondering, I’ll probably start the process next year.

How can we complain about our politicians if we do not go out in election day and choose them? You might not think that your vote matters, but it does to me. Because it was by that process that the first African American is the current president. Using the same process, we have elected a former Hollywood star and army generals.

For those who have no idea how the process works, first register to vote. Google to find out when are the deadlines in your state and do it as soon as possible. Second, educate yourself. Not only in the candidates, but also in the issues—what is more important to you and what are each candidate plans. Also remember, this election is not about just presidential candidates, there are many state and local positions at stake, which can have a bigger impact in your life.

Do not let yourself be influence by others; that vote belongs to you.

Sincerely, someone who is just dying to vote.