A Tribute to Those Who Fought for Freedom
This blog post is dedicated to the remembrance of all those who suffered and died in the name of freedom. I won’t apologize for how sensitive this topic may be for some, because it reflects the reality of our history. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I had in late October 2016 to vote for the first time in the presidential election.
Forgive me in advance if I don’t recall all the specific details, I'll share what I do remember.
The Journey to My First Vote
Let me give you a little background story. I wanted to register to vote when I participated in my church’s cotillion for high school seniors. A representative came to register us and informed us about the importance of voting; however, at that time, I was only 16 and unable to register.
Once I was of age, I registered at my church by filling out an application. The process was quite straightforward, and shortly after, I received my voter’s card in the mail.
October 2016: A Memorable Voting Experience
Fast forward to October 2016. I asked a couple of my classmates if they wanted to vote with me. What better way to cast my first vote than with friends to ease the nervous energy? They agreed, and one of them even volunteered to drive because I strongly dislike driving! 🤣
We went to Houston City Hall for early voting. I love early voting! You can vote anywhere, not just at your designated polling location, and the lines are usually shorter.
As I stood in line to vote, excitement bubbled within me. I kept thinking about how proud figures like Harriet Tubman or Madam CJ Walker would be to see me voting. I didn’t think it was obvious that it was my first time, but I must have worn my excitement on my sleeve. A lady approached me and asked, “Is this your first time voting?” I smiled and said yes. She replied, “I could tell!” 😊
After we voted, we documented the day with pictures—it was October 24, 2016.
Midterm Elections: A Continuing Journey
For the midterm elections in 2018, I once again went for early voting, this time taking two others with me. I believe we voted at a school, and it was a quick process. However, the day after the election (November 7th), I felt hurt and sensitive about the results reported the day before. Still, I was grateful for the chance to cast my vote, and guess what? In October 2019, I did it again!
The Importance of Voting
Dear only child, voting is an essential act you ought to strongly consider engaging in. When you vote, you’re not only fulfilling your civic duty and making your ancestors proud (over two centuries of bondage is no joke), but you are also ensuring that your voice is heard.
Yes, I understand we have an Electoral College, but if you don’t vote, you can’t complain when you feel silenced. Midterm elections are crucial because you are voting for your state’s representatives who will be part of the Electoral College—representatives meant to be your voice. However, if you don’t vote, are you really being heard? You can either be part of the solution or the problem and staying indifferent, despite popular belief, is a choice in itself.
While these representatives have their own perspectives, we hope they vote with our interests in mind. Will you give it a chance? If you have voted before, let me know how your first experience went or any experience that you remember!
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