The day before I decided to vote, I went over the issues looking at all the candidates. I looked at their records, their policies, their websites, and just about everything so I could assure myself I was well-rounded enough to make a decision. By educating myself on each candidate, I wanted to vote with my head and not with my heart.
In high school, I watched the movie, "Iron Jawed Angels" a movie detailing the events from the women's suffrage movement through the eyes of activists, Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. As a woman, this movie, along with the true events that followed, including the establishment of the National Women's Party, and the 19th Amendment, this made me feel more than inclined to vote because many women like Alice and Lucy, and others alike, have fought time and time again for my right to vote as a women in the United Sates, which has only been my right for 96 years thus far. I wanted to vote for the people who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty so I can put my answers on a ballot. I don't understand why someone would not vote; it is such a great learning and exciting experience to be apart of.
When I was handed my voter card, I was overwhelmed with excitement, but nervousness. I was excited to participate in our democracy, but also nervous because this was the first time I am actively participating with our democracy. The ballot was a concrete reminder, not just rhetoric, that I have power in a democracy. I held the ballot in my hand and felt that I was no longer a number, but a 20-year-old woman placing a vote for history. Much like Alice and Lucy, I was continuing history.
The atmosphere in the room felt patriotic and electric. I saw many young, and older voters all standing in line to cast their own individual vote. It was fascinating to see how many walks of life truly come out to vote. Despite possible differing views, It was nice to see all of us collectively engaged in the process. We weren't differing religions, races, parties and genders, but citizens who have a voice and a right to that voice. Perhaps this is too romanticized, but voting made me feel hopeful in my affirmative actions, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude to be able to do this because not everyone gets to do this. Not everyone gets to be an active member of democracy, let alone live in one. I know not everyone is given a platform to have a voice. I am grateful I am given a voice.
This is my first time I have ever voted in an election and it was an experience I hope to never forget. I hope overtime, I do not lose the excitement I had my first time voting. It is my civic responsibility to vote. I will like many others cast my vote and be a part of the solution and not the problem.
Please vote. Be a part of the excitment in history.
I cannot wait to vote again.
