‘At least we’re voting together’: A first time voter reflects

Growing up, I always went with my parents to vote when election season came around. It became something that I looked forward to, going with my parents to see democracy at its purest form. However, this year I didn’t go as a spectator; I went as a participant, a factor in deciding America’s future.

Walking in to vote at a Maple Heights polling station, I was nervous as I wasn’t sure what to expect. I went during a slow period at the polls, but there was one thing that I did notice: I was the youngest person there. My spirits were instantly lifted. After I told them it was my first time voting, the two women at the desk announced it to the polling room, prompting cheering and applause from other voters.

After that warm welcome from the community I grew up in, all worries about the voting environment faded away. The only thing on my mind was the ballot.

This election was pivotal for America’s future, and America spoke. Ohio flipped blue, with Amy Acton winning the governor’s race and Sherrod Brown regaining his Senate seat. However, I faced a strong dilemma when it came time to vote.

This moment I had waited for years to come, the chance to finally vote, and I didn’t even know whom to pick. Leading up to the election, I researched both sides of the aisle, but neither side had candidates who stood out for the major elections in the state. I ended up voting for Libertarian candidates Don Kissick for governor and Bill Redpath for senate.

While I didn’t expect my candidates to win, I still felt proud of my decision as it was one I made on my own. I felt a true sense of pride leaving the polls, as I finally got to fulfill my duty as a citizen and voted.

However, what stands out the most from this experience is the overall warmth and kindness of the poll workers and fellow citizens. My hometown of Maple Heights often gets a bad reputation from the people who don’t live here. Today, though, I learned that all that is just talk, as I was surrounded by some of the nicest and most caring people I have met.

I learned that election day is more than just filling in the circles on a ballot. It’s about getting involved, meeting your neighbors and bringing your community together even if we all don’t vote for the same people, at least we’re voting together.