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Student Blog: News around Campus
entry 2
Voting
by Amanda Sowards '10
November 4, 2008 will always be a highlight of my life. As I grow older and start a family, I hope to be able to share my first time voting experience with my children and grandchildren when the day comes that they anxiously wait for and their voice can equally be heard as a citizen of the United States of America.
On Monday night I went home to Harrisburg to spend the night with my mother. Tuesday morning I woke up early so I would be able to vote and get back to Salisbury before classes started. I embarked on my journey to the Midland volunteer fire department, only one mile down the road from my house.
I was excited and overwhelmed with vehement feelings of patriotism and importance, because I could finally vote! I have waited twenty years to be able to exercise my right of being an American citizen, and I wanted to embrace and savor every second of the process, mentally and physically.
I waited patiently in line for my turn to step up to the table and tell them who I was. After going on a small tangent about how overly ecstatic I was to vote, the lady told me my name was not on the list.
I immediately was devastated.
I knew I was a registered voter, and was not going to accept anything less than the lady letting me vote. She understood my almost hysterical moment and kindly directed me toward a small table in the very back of the room.
Again, I waited patiently to be able to speak to the precinct director about my distressing news. She was more than willing to help me figure what had gone wrong.
Finally we had an answer!
Silly me. I went to the wrong location to vote. Instead of voting at the facility that was not even a minute from my house, I was supposed to be at a different location twenty minutes away. Even though I had already waited an hour and was a bit confused, embarrassed, and mildly agitated, I was determined not to let this ruin my heavily anticipated day, my chance to make a difference.
I hurried over to the new location where I hoped to be able to cast my ballot.
As I entered, I was nervous and scared that once again my name would not be printed on the small white sticker that I hopelessly was pining for.
At last it was my turn.
I calmly spoke my name and immediately the lady found the sticker that had my name printed in bold black ink. She placed it on the required form, and I signed my name with a sense of honor to be a citizen of a country that was founded on a dream of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.
I took my time and cast my votes, that for many years I had only thought about, but never imagined would finally come, my turn to be a first timer.
When it was all over, I headed out to get my free Starbuck's, wearing my voter sticker proudly.
Although, the candidates that I supported did not come out victoriously, I still feel a strong sense of accomplishment for doing my job of being an active citizen. I am disappointed that John McCain was not elected into office and that my beloved state will hold the color blue for four years, but I will still be a patriot who respects and loves my country and those who are in command. It is our patriotic duty to support and love the freedoms we have been given and continue to serve America as one nation under God. That includes going out to vote and supporting those who are chosen.
Other Perspectives:
Amy Bartram '09
English Major
When it came to the process, voting this year was a little more tricky than normal. After turning 18, I participated in every local election at home that I could whether it be for school board, governor, or President of the United States. Since I'm 9 and a half hours away from home now, my options were to vote absentee or register in North Carolina. I requested absentee and to keep my Hoosier pride but eventually, I registered in North Carolina and am now a resident here. It was a new experience being so far away from home. But no matter what state I'm in, I secured my right to complain for the next four years if I choose to do so. |
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Katiearl Etters '10
Elementary Education (K-6) Major
Change or no change, I voted to fulfill my right as an American citizen and to show appreciation to those who have fought for our freedom. Based merely off of my values and beliefs, I choose to vote democratic. This election did have a lot of historical value, but that is not the main reason why I chose to vote. |
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Lauren Mroczka '10
Sports Management Major
I first registered to vote for the 2004 election, and it felt great. I really felt like my vote counted and mattered.
However, for this year's election, I had to vote using an absentee ballot. Since I had never had to use one before, I had to ask my parents how the process worked. The first thing I had to do was request a form, and I had them fax it to me, so that way the process would move along faster. Then when I received the form I filled it out and faxed it back to them. I
t was weird voting this way, because all my friends, who are from North Carolina, had their "I Voted" sticker, and I was a little jealous that I did not receive one. Voting this way, in a sense, made me feel like I wasn't actually voting. I am glad I casted my vote, and can't wait to do it all over again in another 4 years. |
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Ashley Wagoner '12
1st time voter; Undeclared
On the day of voting, I woke up around 6:45. I had planned on going with my dad at 4:30, since it was my first time voting.
I went to my 8:00 class and went home to meet my brother. I was excited to vote for the first time, but also very nervous. I did not know what to expect, so I made my brother go with me.
I kept asking my mom, over and over, how the ballot was set up and if there was a certain way I had to do it.
When I finally got to Granite Quarry Elementary, I did not know where to go, but luckily knew the people working, and they were able to set me in the right direction.
After I told the lady working my name and signed the sheet, I finally was able to go to the booth and vote. I chose to vote for John McCain and selected a straight Republican ballot.
Overall, my first voting experience was one I will forever remember. |
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Bryson Nesbitt '10
Business Administration Major
"What Voting Meant to Me"
As I stood in line waiting for my turn to give my name and identification, I was both anxious and proud - anxious at the fact of it being my first time voting and not knowing exactly how everything happens (once you get through the door and the person hands the ballot to you) and what the results would be after the voting period. At the same time, I was proud in that I have always considered it a privilege and honor to be able to vote and have a part in who will be not only my next president, but every other American's, and now I was getting to use that privilege.
When I finally cast my ballot (or placed my ballot in the machine that counted how many people had already voted prior to me), I felt a sense of importance, a feeling that I had done my part to help make a difference. It is a feeling that I believe every person who has ever voted for anything that they really believed in feels, and a feeling that every person needs to experience at some point and time in his or her life.
Voting for the first time furthered the respect and love that I have in my heart for my country, the United States of America. |
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Jessica Gaskill '12
1st time voter; Cheerleader; Undeclared
 My first time voting was a remarkable experience. I loved being able to bepatriotic and exercise my civic responsibility and privilege.I went to the polls with my mom and six-year-old sister. There was no wait in my polling precinct, so I was able to walk right in between classes. I voted and then slid my ballot into the counter. I feel confident that my ballot, number 364, was counted.
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