By Kyle Arjoonsingh
As a first-time voter in the 2024 presidential election, the experience was more than just casting a ballot—it was a moment of clarity and recognition of the importance of my vote. Voting had always felt like a distant civic duty, something others did while I simply observed from the sidelines. But this election cycle was different; it marked the first time that I, along with fellow students, could step into that larger process. The journey turned out to be far more meaningful than I had anticipated.
My polling site was an elementary school in my neighborhood, just a short walk away from my home. It felt strangely comforting knowing that my vote was going to be cast within a space that was so familiar and local. The building, which I had passed countless times throughout my childhood, was now the setting for a decision that would shape my future. It gave me a sense of ownership in the democratic process – knowing that the very place where young minds were shaped was also where my voice could help shape the future.
On election day, I was very nervous – as was most of the country. I left my home with a mix of nervous excitement. Walking to the polling station, I reflected on all the issues that had shaped my decision – the walk itself oddly represented the long journey to this moment. While it was only a few blocks, it was also a reminder of the accessibility and privilege I had to simply just step out and vote.
When I arrived, the process was smoother than I had imagined. There was a line, but it moved quickly, and the volunteers were helpful, guiding first-timers like me through the steps. After waiting to be assigned to my station, I was handed a complimentary pen and an “I Voted” sticker. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but notice the mix of people around me — all sharing the same purpose. The line wasn’t long, but it felt significant. Each person there was taking part in something bigger than pen to paper. When I finally reached the booth, I was handed my ballot, and for a moment, there was a brief pause before I realized just how much responsibility and power were in my hands. Casting my vote was more than a simple action; it was my permanent stance on who I wanted to see in office and what kind of future I wanted to be a part of.
The election cycle itself had been taunting, with tensions running high as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the respective Democratic and Republican nominees, clashed in the race for presidency. The intense divisiveness created an atmosphere of uncertainty, making the campaigning period nerve-wracking at times. But as I scanned my ballot, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I had participated in something larger than myself, a key moment in a long-standing democratic tradition. It was also humbling. While my individual vote might not have changed the outcome, it was part of a collective action — a reminder that each vote contributes to the bigger picture, especially as we face changing times.
While the result was not what I anticipated, I still feel accomplished. Young voters are the future, and a result should not discourage us. Our voices, though sometimes overlooked, play a crucial role in shaping the direction of our society. This election was just one moment in a long journey, and the work to make our voices heard is far from over. Democracy requires ongoing participation, and as young voters, we have the power to influence future elections and create meaningful change.
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