Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A. – On August 1 – the day to first apply for a mail-in ballot – I promptly submitted my information to receive my mail-in ballot in October for the 2024 presidential election.
I grew up going to the voting polls in November with my parents. I was shown how to correctly bubble in a circle with someone’s name since I was a child. I always proudly wore my “I voted” sticker around on election day boasting that “I voted.”
The day I turned 18, I remember charging into my high school with my drivers license in hand going immediately to my government teacher to register to vote.
I have always found value in the ability to exercise my right to vote. However, this privilege should never be taken lightly as many people still are not granted the right to exercise their voice.
This year was my first “real” chance to vote as an American citizen. This was a day I had looked forward to for many years.
When my mail-in ballot arrived in my college dorm room mailbox, I promptly got to work. Opening the envelope, with clear instruction, I unveiled the large white paper with bolded black ink with names. I bubbled in the circles with a pen, just like I was taught. Folding the ballot, I placed it in the envelope, sealed it tight, signed the backside for confirmation of identity, and placed a stamp on it.
As I deposited my ballot into the mailbox, I was reminded of the significance of this moment in my life as well as the historical narrative of the U.S.A.
In first grade, I memorized the U.S. presidents from a song to recite to the class. In fifth grade, I learned about the nation’s first election and the precedent it sent for future generations.
As a sophomore in high school, I recalled the monumental events and turmoil of the women’s suffrage movement in order for women to gain the right to vote. As a senior in high school, I participated in a reenactment of the U.S. Congress voting and passing federal bills in my government class.
All these facts and experiences prove voting is an honor and privilege one should not take for granted.
A few days after slipping my ballot into the mailbox, I used the QR code on my ballot envelope and tracked where my ballot was. The United States Postal Service had delivered my ballot to the election office and it was received in the system. I had just voted in my first presidential election.
I am proud to be a first-time voter in the 2024 election. While the choice is yours, America, this election has substantial impact on young voters striving to use their voice to heal our nation.
Norah Springorn is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International.
