Voting
November 4, 2008
Today is November 4, 2008, the day that Americans choose the 44th President of the United States of America. This is the day that all Americans should be a member of the electoral process and let their voices to be heard. I believe voting is not only a right, but a necessity and I could never see not voting, especially when so many people have died in order to give me this right. I never understand how people, especially women, minorities, and members of the poor class don't vote after so many people fought to get them the right that is so dearly deserved.
My first voting experience was in 2000 for the Presidential election. I was an excited college student who couldn't believe that I was going to finally be able to vote. I would truly be an adult. I would be a part of the decision making process. It was a big day for me. I was so excited and nervous. I kept calling and checking on my registration in order to make sure that I was truly registered in my new state of Pennsylvania. I had to check numerous times to make sure that as a college student I was okay to be registered in Pennsylvania and not my home state of Illinois. I know I was bugging people, but this was my big moment.
The day started out as any other and I grew more and more anxious as the time approached when I would be able to go to the polls and vote. The time finally came and I was nervous and excited because I was going to finally let my voice be heard and help in choosing the next President of the United States of America. I walked up cool and confident to the table, handed the person my id and began to ask a million questions about voting.
I was quickly interrupted and told that I wasn't on the registrar. The woman said I wasn't registered to vote at that location. I began to go off. She again cut me off and told me, "Do not worry. You might need to go to another location. It would be okay." I couldn't believe it. I was so confused. I knew I was registered, so why would I be denied? I didn't understand. I walked away upset, but still excited and began to walk to new directed location.
It was a long walk because now all I could think about was what would it be like if my vote didn't count? What would it mean if I messed up in the booth and didn't vote correctly? Could I make a mistake and have a redo? How did it work? I began to become extremely nervous. I shook off the nerves and walked up to the new table and again handed my id and waited to be told which booth to vote in. The woman looked over the books and again said, “you aren't registered here”. I could have cried.
How could this happen twice? How could I not be registered? She had to have made a mistake. It's no way that she knew what she was talking about. I knew I was registered and I knew I did everything I was supposed to do for this big day. I can't even begin to fully explain the defeated feeling I felt. But that feeling wasn't going to last, because I knew I NEEDED to vote. I NEEDED to be a part of the process.
The woman then told me, I needed to go to the local police station, see the judge on duty and obtain an affidavit proving that I was indeed registered to vote. There was no way I was being denied. So I began taking a walk to the police station and sat in front of the desk officer explaining my situation. I wasn't the only one. There was another person there with me too. I couldn't believe what was happening to me. So finally after about 30 minutes, the judge handed me a piece of paper and said “go to the original polling place and I would be able to vote. Oh yeah, and you only have 15 minutes before the polls close so you have to hurry”.
Not another problem? How was I supposed to get back there in less than 15 minutes? I was so far from campus at that point. Then the other person who was with me offered me a ride. I quickly jumped in the car and rode to the polls. Ran inside and showed my paper to the woman and was quickly ushered to the booth. I finally was in a booth. Did I cry? Did I shout? What was I suppose to do? I just voted!!!! 4 hours later, I was finally able to push the button for Al Gore. Finally I was a part of the election process.
2 polling stations, 1 police station, 1 judge, and 4 hours later, I voted for the first time in my life. It made me feel a little more whole. It made me feel more like man. It allowed me to feel like I was really a part of the process. So would lines scare me this year? NEVER. Would I worry about not being a part of this election? NEVER. I will vote in every election that I can and make sure I am a part of every political process. MY VOICE will be heard.
Its not a right, it's not a privilege, its a NECESSITY!!! VOTE
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