That's right ladies and gents, I voted.
I went down to the polls and exercised one of my sacred rights as an 18 year old today. I didn't buy porn, cigarettes, signed up for the army, or bought lotto tickets, but instead I decided to vote. My experience was interesting because they poll didnt have my name down on their roster because I had registered so recently (October 10, my 18th birthday) but they still let me vote with a provisional ballot. I then proceeded to fill out my ballot which truly is designed so a four year old child could fill it out. However, my dilemma came from what boxes to fill out because I had not received candidate or measure information. Regardless, I filled out what I could like a champ. I won't share how I voted, but considering Allie Loy was in the room and txting me on who I should vote for on a particular candidate set...that's just a little hint. On the two measures, L&M, I read the provided information carefully before deciding my vote because those two measures will probably affect me in some small way if they get passed.
Lastly, I had the mentality throughout my American experience that my vote was just one in a large number that overall would not affect anything. Yet, I voted today because I am well aware that my age demographic has very low voting statistics so I came more to prove that the youth can indeed influence things. I'm really glad I registered to vote using Rock the Vote because it's an organization who's sole mission is to mobilize the youth vote which is something I respect tremendously.
With one vote under my belt, I know I'll be adding more votes to my collection in the future. When you turn 18 please vote! There may be a lot of elections, and it may be a pain to register, but we live in a democracy!
P.S. The little stickers they give you that say "I voted" are not very sticky =(
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11 comments:
Congrats Seth! I am encouraged by your actions and also plan to vote as my 18th birthday comes. I am trying learn more about current events, so I too can have an effective voice in this democracy. I feel like one of the greatest features of America is that every vote counts and many people take this for granted and as a result never have their voices heard. I hope this post can encourage other classmates to vote as well.
-Michael Chan
I really should go vote too, not many of us (seniors) are 18 yet. Im not really exercising my right haha.
The only issue i have on voting is that I don't know much about the candidates. I feel this is probably a common feeling through students. This is also probably a reason why 18 year old adults don't vote as often as say a 35 year old would.
No offense, but in the future, please try not to be an "idget" voter. It's great to vote, but just be sure to be well informed before voting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax2aP59QJ9k
I agree. I do not feel well informed about the candidates, and though I am not eighteen yet, I would not have voted anyways. However, I know this is a habit that I personally would like to change. As an AP Government student, I really want to learn more about current events so that I, along with Michael, can also have an represented opinion in this country.
Really interesting post Seth! Now that I think of it, when I turn 18, I too will register to vote right away. Like Michael said, it is great that we live in a country where we are given a chance to vote and every vote counts. But first, I would also need to know a little more about current events.
Congratulations Seth! That's so exciting. I just turned 17 so I have to wait till next September to register. I agree with Michael that your post was very encouraging, and that more young adults need to take advantage of this rite. If more young adults voiced their opinion it could make a big difference in the governments decisions, they would have to consider what we feel are the correct decisions to make.
Justine Roscoe
Again, congrats Seth! That's really cool to hear about you voting. I'm still not use to the idea of a senior voting haha. Too bad i just turned 17 two days ago haha.
Just as Jacob stated, I also do not know much about the candidates and the issues that are being voted for. Therefore, I do not think voting would be a good idea for me right now. I hope that I can learn more about current events and politics in the future so that I can eventually vote with confidence. Anyway, I admire your decision to go and vote Seth!
Congratulations Seth! Its great to know that there are high school students that can vote, and that choose to exercise that right. Even though you said you weren't clear on all of the measures I truly commend you for going out to vote. Some people think that they are just one person, and thus their vote is not going to make a difference, but it does. By choosing to vote, you are putting your opinion out there and that will have an impact, no matter how great or how small. I don't know how I am going to feel when my 18th birthday comes around, and I am faced with the decision of whether or not to vote, but I know that if you have an opinion, the only way to share that and voice it is to vote!!!
-Jane Hayashi
Wow Seth! That's really cool. Unfortunately, my 18th birthday is next summer but on the other hand I think that will give me plenty of time to educate myself on the issues and candidates. I also agree that every vote counts, so if you have an opinion, vote!
Hopefully, after taking AP Gov. and being informed about current events, I can push myself to go vote! I think we can all make a difference with voter turnout, because the young generation turnout is still very low compared to other age groups.
Congratulations! Like the majority of everyone else, I think I will register to vote once I turn eighteen. It'll probably be an amazing feeling to be able to participate in something that affects the country as a whole. But like most have mentioned, I'll probably need to brush up on the candidates beforehand.
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