Election Day

The first time I voted was in 1996.  I was ten years old.  I remember my father bringing me into the voting booth with him and explaining to me how everything worked.  I remember that I couldn’t quite reach the button I needed to press, so he had to lift me up a little.  I remember asking him in a whisper, “Who are we voting for?” even though I already knew.  I wanted to be sure because this was a very big deal.  Because my vote would make a difference.

It’s funny how I didn’t think about that in 2004, when I officially voted for the first time.  In 1996, it was Clinton.  This time it was Kerry.  It was still a big deal and I was nervous, but I didn’t think about my dad, I just made my choice, pushed the button, and cast my vote.

Today, I’ve thought about my dad a lot.  I’m grateful that he took me with him when I was a child and that he came with me again today.  We didn’t vote together but knowing that he was there made the experience all the more powerful for me.

I got into the booth, closed the curtains, and took a deep breath.  I’ve known for a few months now that I was going to vote for Barack Obama.  His confidence, intelligence, and sincerity won me over.  I don’t think he has all the answers, but I know that he’s going to try his best and that means more to me than anything.

Seeing Obama’s name up there nearly made me cry.  It made me so proud of my country.  I had to take a couple of deep breaths before I managed to vote for anyone and I stood there for a while afterward, just staring at machine, but eventually, I opened the curtain and walked away.

I know that whatever happens, this is going to be a day that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.  I’ll remember how the sun was shining through the trees.  I’ll remember how it felt on the ride to the polling place, my stomach in knots.  I’ll remember what it was like to be twenty-two, voting for a man who I believed in.