My First Time Voting | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

My First Time Voting

My voice has been heard.

45
My First Time Voting
TIME

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1452
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16296
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3412
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments