Although I was born in the United States, I did not grow up with the tradition of voting. Voting was a “tradition” that I had to create for myself. Raised by a single mother with a green card meant that since my mother was not a citizen she did not have the right to vote.
As soon as I was eligible to vote, I registered. I can still remember the first time I voted and what it felt like. I did not expect it to be such an emotional experience, but it was. I felt overwhelmed with pride and gratitude and shed some discreet tears. I was thrilled that I had a say in the political process.
A few years ago, my mother became a citizen. After so many years of being a legal resident I asked her why she was finally choosing to become a citizen and she said it was because she wanted the right to vote and again I felt overwhelmed with pride and gratitude and shed some not discreet tears.
My mother and I do not always agree politically (in fact we often disagree), but we do agree that we should exercise our right to vote, our right to be heard even when it seems like our individual voices don’t make much of a difference, even when we are exasperated by the results.
When it comes to politics and the government, I do not pretend to have a lot of answers, but I do have a lot of questions and it is these questions that keep me voting. Questions like:
- What is the point of a democracy if those that have the right to vote do not exercise their right?
- Will a democracy survive without active participation?
- Do I have a right to complain if I do not exercise that right at the polls?
- If I do not use my vote, does that give more power to those that do use their vote?
I could go on and on, but recently I have found two more reasons to vote that are not questions.
My two newest reasons for voting are my daughters. I want to have a say in their future locally and nationally; I am more invested in the political process because of them; and I want them to grow up with the tradition of voting. When they are old enough to vote, I want them to know that their vote matters, I want them to feel invested and entitled, I want them to be a part of the process. I already take them to the polls with me and give them my “I Voted” stickers.
Are you registered to vote? If you are AWESOME, please make sure that you cast your vote. If you are not registered to vote, but have the right to do so please please please follow the links below and get yourself registered and then when the time comes…VOTE!
Register to vote in California.
National Mail Voter Registration Form.
Disclosure: Although this post is sponsored by #LATISM, all statements and opinions are mine.
Lisa@Advent's Adventures says
I am registered and always vote. I’m a letter writer too! I’m always pounding off a letter to someone somewhere! I’m becoming very frustrated though with all the childish fighting that goes on in D.C. . it seems all they really want to do is fight and not solve problems. Gee, we can get that with our kids! Great Post! your so right voting is important!
mub says
Your mom’s reason for getting US citizenship was also one of my biggest reasons for taking the plunge and getting my Dutch citizenship. I think it’s important to vote! Thanks for the reminder, I need to make sure I’m signed up to get my overseas ballot this year!
Laurie Matherne says
The post is a good reminder to get my ballot from the Embassy which is very close to my residence.
unknownmami says
Do it.
lisleman says
Very good points and you need to remember to repost this again in the fall. I also have plenty of questions about our political system. We also have the right to disagree and although unpleasant at times makes our country stronger. I just wish we could take the money out of the process. The US has the most expensive elections in the world. That turns off many voters.
Emmy says
So awesome your mom got her citizenship. And yes, I believe if you don’t vote you can’t complain. 🙂
lisleman says
remember a thing called “I Comment Therefore I Am”? I do and included a remembrance in my FF post.
http://afcsoac.blogspot.com/2012/04/ftc-fcc-friday-fragments.html
My Inner Chick says
~~~Voting is an honor & our responsibility as human beings…
Thousands have died for our right to VOTE.
Spread the word, Mami. <3 Xxx
deborahpucci says
I am a registered voter!
Vidya Sury says
I applaud you! I completely agree with you. 🙂 (And am proud of you!)
Myya Says... says
Voting is so so SOOO important! Good for you for doing an entire post about it!!!
brainella says
I love this post. I was so excited to vote when I turned 18. I always vote, and now I take Dominic with me. He actually helps pretty the buttons and submit the ballot. It’s truly the greatest thing we have to participate in government. As they say, “Don’t vote? Don’t bitch.” 🙂