“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” — Susan B. Anthony
I have been voting with my parents since I was a baby. However, my first voting memory is from when I was five-years-old. My mom and dad took me and my 3-month-old brother to the local high school. There were adults everywhere and one asked me, “Are you going to help your parents vote?” I remember nodding because my parents had explained what voting was and why it was important, but back then I hadn’t truly understood.
When it was our turn I went into the small curtained room with my dad. My eyes immediately went to the giant lever that would cast our ballot. I really wanted to pull that lever and waiting for my dad to make his voting selections was pure agony – at least to a five-year-old. When it was finally time, he picked me up so I could reach, and I pulled the lever. It was great. He then said, “You just voted for the President of the United States.” I couldn’t believe I had so much power. I felt like a superhero.
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
Over the years, I would always go with my parents to vote but it didn’t have the same impact until it was MY turn to vote in a presidential election. I was so excited to help decide who would be the next leader of America, plus to decide if the city and state proposals would pass or fail. The fate of our country was in my hands. I was a part of something bigger than myself. When I voted my world became bigger than just me.
Even now, after so many elections, — some that have gone my way and some that haven’t — I still feel part of something when I vote.
I will go to the polls on November 6th to make sure my voice is heard. I encourage all of you to head to the polls and exercise your right to vote.
Not sure what’s on the ballot? Check out //flipyourballot.nyc; it’s a great resource on the ballot proposals. And you can also see a sample ballot so you can do more research — because the best vote is an informed vote.
Remember, when you vote you are voting for the future. Your vote can impact the United States and New York for decades.
After you vote, share a picture of you and your voting sticker on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
