Being A Democrat Voting In A Republican State
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What It's Like Being A First-Time Voter Voting Blue In A Red State

I wonder whether or not my voice will actually be heard when I vote in my first presidential election.

13412
What It's Like Being A First-Time Voter Voting Blue In A Red State

When Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, I texted my friendly neighborhood Resist Bot to let my senators know that I do not support a confirmation of a new Supreme Court justice before the presidential election on November 3. However, being a registered voter in my home state of Idaho, I knew that this action was futile. Idaho has been represented by a fully Republican delegation to Congress since 2011, so it didn't come as a surprise when I received emails from my senators informing me of their intent to confirm President Trump's Supreme Court nomination.

I was disappointed, and I began to doubt the weight of my blue vote in a state that bleeds red.

Idaho is notoriously conservative, having gone red in every presidential election since 1964. In 2016, nearly 60% of votes went to Donald Trump, with only 2 of 44 counties going blue. Current polls show Trump winning by an even higher margin on November 3. This voting record is unsurprising to those familiar with the Gem State, but that doesn't make it any less disheartening to those of us who know the consequences another Trump term will bring.

SEE ALSO:How To Write About The 2020 Election

As an 18-year-old college student, voting for the first time in a presidential election should be exciting. However, it's more anxiety-inducing than anything else as a member of the minority party in Idaho. I can't help but wonder if my vote will really count, if my voice will actually be heard. The future of our country, society, and planet is riding on this election, and there's only so much I can do to help ensure the right choice is made. I don't feel represented by my state or federal government, and the only way to rectify this is to vote. But what am I to do when the odds of the electoral college aren't in my favor?

I look to the other voters of my generation for hope. In a recent poll of Gen Zers by NextGen America, 100% of respondents said they were registered to vote, with 75% saying they were definitely voting in November. This is a 60% increase in young voters from 2016. Gen Z has been proving itself to be a force to be reckoned with, and this isn't stopping with the presidential election. Young people are poised to break voting records, as the stakes this year feel higher than those of any other election. I'm proud that my vote will be part of this extraordinary group, and that motivates me to cast my ballot.

Even with doubts in the back of my mind, I will be voting blue in my red home state this year. The importance of this election outweighs my concerns because I know that this year, my vote is about more than a candidate. It's about racism, climate change, reproductive rights, healthcare, COVID-19, and the future of America.

My vote won't help flip Idaho in favor of Joe Biden, but it will be a statement of my values and principles, a statement that I'm very grateful to be able to make.

Report this Content
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less
A painting of the virgin Mary, the baby Jesus, and the wise men

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. Christmastime is a celebration, but have we forgotten what we are supposed to be celebrating? There is a reason the holiday is called Christmas. Not presentmas. Not Santamas. Not Swiftmas. Christmas.

boy standing in front of man wearing santa claus costume Photo by __ drz __ on Unsplash



What many people forget is that there is no Christmas without Christ. Not only is this a time to spend with your family and loved ones, it is a time to reflect on the blessings we have gotten from Jesus. After all, it is His birthday.


Keep Reading...Show less
Golden retriever sat on the sand with ocean in the background
Photo by Justin Aikin on Unsplash

Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore my dog. I am constantly talking about my love for her. I attribute many of my dog's amazing qualities to her breed. She is a purebred Golden Retriever, and because of this I am a self-proclaimed expert on why these are the best pets a family could have. Here are 11 reasons why Goldens are the undisputed best dog breed in the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Boyfriend's Christmas Wishlist: 23 Best Gift Ideas for Her

Here are the gifts I would like to ask my boyfriend for to make this season unforgettable.

89138
Young woman opening a Christmas gift

Recently, an article on Total Sorority Move called 23 Things My Boyfriend Better Not Get Me For Christmas, was going around on social media. I hope the author of this was kidding or using digital sarcasm, but I am still repulsed and shocked by the lack of appreciation throughout this article. I would like to represent the girlfriends out there who disagree with her standpoint -- the girlfriends who would be more than happy to receive any of these gifts from their boyfriends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Two teenage girls smiling

The 2000s were a time that many young adults today can look back on, joyfully reminisce and somewhat cringe at the trends and the fads that we all used to love and adore. Here's a list of things from the golden 2000s that will have one feeling nostalgic about all of those times.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments