November 3rd, 2016 (4:03:59pm) - Voted for the First Time

November 7th, 2016 - Election Eve

November 8th, 2016 (before 8pm) - Election Day

November 8th, 2016 (8pm) - 45th President Announced

November 3rd:

I voted for the first time in a presidential election. I carried out a civic duty that showcased my voice among 150 million others - a duty that reflected my love for my country. Even if nobody could hear my whisper across all 50 states, I don't care. I'm happy.

It was honestly kind of a surreal experience because I had absolutely no idea what to expect. It was weird to cross off a "First Time" at 18 years old, especially when most of those "First Times" happened when you were a lot younger.

Nevertheless, I had high expectations.

I arrived at the local fire station with my parents and after around 5 minutes in line, it was my turn. I approached the desk and the little old lady who asked for my ID smiled and said excitedly, "First time voter, huh?" After nodding pretty enthusiastically, the woman called out to everyone, "Hey, y'all, we've got a first time voter here!" and everyone in the fire station started to clap for me. Usually, I would be super embarrassed because of all the attention but I was even more ecstatic - I was about to vote.

After going forward to my voting booth, another lady came up about a dozen times telling me that "don't touch the screen, it's not touch-screen!" Even half-way through, she was still telling me this (I didn't touch the screen once, I swear!) but this is just another example of how modern technology has affected older generations' perception of the youth...

Anyway, I pressed the giant, red "CAST BALLOT" button and just like that, I had voted for our next President of the United States of America. I had a say in who should be running our country. Me.

For a lot of adults and teenagers, it's hard to see the big picture when you get in the mindset of "well, my vote won't even count" but that is absolutely the wrong attitude to have. Our country gives us a chance, a voice to directly have control over who gets to lead America. It makes me sad to know that most people don't see voting in this way.

Either way, this election is definitely a historic one and I hope Americans have made the right decision.

Now, I'll be in my room watching West Wing Season 4, Episode 7 (the prank on Josh is still relevant and hilarious to this day) and waiting for this entire election to be over... finally.