I can remember the very first time I was able to vote. It was 2008 and was my first year in college. My dad brought an absentee ballot to my dorm room for me to fill out, and I was so excited that I had butterflies in my stomach. For me, it felt like a right of passage.
The other thing that sticks out to me about that experience is how helpful my dad was. Anything that I didn't understand, he would explain it to me with no bias and always made sure I heard both sides. He still does that for me.
Flash-forward to the 2012 election, and through a series of unfortunate events, I was unable to vote. I had to work late, and worked for a company that did not allow time off to vote, which sadly is still pretty common. When I finally got out of work, and drove to my polling place - it was closed. The location had been changed, but there was no signage telling me where to go. I am still angry at the city of Pontiac. That night, sitting on my couch with a glass of wine, watching the results roll in, I felt so helpless. Sure, one vote doesn't make or break anything, but the point was that my voice wasn't heard. I had nothing to do with what was happening to our country. I didn't get to vote, so I didn't get a say.
In 2016, I voted. I had to vote. It felt like so much was at stake. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be the most substantial election in my life. Regardless of who you voted for, it was such a passionate election for many Americans. I think every election should be that way. It really is a life-changing experience, but not just for you, for all of us.
For this year's midterm election, I noticed for the first time all of the additional incentives for voting. Time off work for many people I know... Discounts on dinner & drinks with your 'I Voted" sticker... Automatic upgrades on flights... If voting alone isn't enough to excite you, the excitement of freebies should certainly engage you. Many restaurants and bars in my area hosted viewing parties, and while not everyone there had voted the same, they had the unity of being voters. Even when you vote differently, you are taking part in one of the most fundamental rights of being an American.
I did not excel in my government class in high school (BHS students, y'all know that class was hard... Mr. Storm was TOUGH!) My dad helped me in that class too. For him, government, civics, etc came so naturally to him. For me, that's not the case, yet I still consider myself an educated voter, and that is thanks to my dad and my husband, who both take the time to explain things to me, make sure I understand, and help me to get to a decision I'm comfortable with. Neither one pressures me to vote their way, and often I don't even know what their way is.
Voting is so important. But voting smart is even more important. Do your research. Talk to people you trust. Find someone who can explain to you what you don't understand. The worst thing you could do next to not voting, is voting on things you don't understand. I am proud that this year saw a 50-year high in voter turnout, but still, according to NPR, only about half of eligible voters did vote. I'm not proud of that number. Voting is a right, a privilege, and a duty. If you're unhappy with the results of the current election and didn't vote, use that as your motivation to be educated ahead of the 2020 election. If you are pleased with the results, the same still applies. Stay informed and cast your vote.