Recently I was finally able to vote for the first time ever, and believe me... I had been waiting for this day for a veryyy long time.
As someone who has enjoyed following politics and participating in the various conversations our country has been having over the past few years, I was really excited to finally be able to put my beliefs into action through the ballot box.
The first election I can vividly remember was the election of former President Barack Obama in 2008. I was 9 years old and on vacation in DisneyWorld, curled up in bed watching the results pour in all night long. Although I could barely understand what the electoral college was or the difference between a red or blue state, I was excited to witness history taking place. The United States had just elected its first black president, and I was alive to see it.
For the next 9 years I would only be a spectator. One of the most frustrating things about having a birthday at the end of November would be missing the opportunity to vote in the 2016 election. Being that this was the first election I actively followed, it was disappointing not being able to cast my vote. I had watched all the presidential debates and followed the news cycle daily, but couldn't
Although the primary elections are not the most exciting political race, I was ready to go to the polls and do my part. My election center was at iPlay America, an indoor theme park and event center... which was super odd. While most election centers are usually schools or your local town hall, I placed my vote beneath neon lights and next to arcade games.
Most of the individuals in the election center were a lot older than me. I had always heard that the age range for those who vote is skewed towards the middle-aged and elderly population, and that was definitely apparent when entering the voting center. Some of the individuals in there looked shocked to see me and even asked for my age (I don't blame them, because I can barely pass as a 16-year-old). Once they realized I was of legal age to vote, I happily chose my candidates and went on my way.
The most disappointing part about voting for the first time? There were no "I voted" stickers! I was really hoping to get one of those.
Despite that slight let down, voting for the first time was just another part of the slow process of transitioning to adulthood that I finally got to experience, and I can't wait to do it over and over again... as everyone who can, should.
