You registered. You stood in line. You took part in one of the most important occasions our nation will ever practice.
Congratulations! I want to dedicate this column to you, voter.
Be ensured you made a difference. If you feel like your vote “doesn’t really count,” be assured that it certainly matters and so do you.
To those of you who may be reading this before casting a ballot, be encouraged! Please don’t give up or get out of line. Patience is a virtue, and it’s remarkable that you came out wanting to make your voice heard. Remember, good things come to those who wait.
Maybe consider voting early the next time around.
For many young people, this is the first election where they were of age to vote. There’s a first time for everything, so I hope the experience was both rewarding and memorable – it only happens once. Cherish the moment, and make it a memory you’ll want to tell your children about.
It certainly was for me! It just so happened I got the chance to snap a photo with singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles right before I cast my ballot downtown.
I know many of you feel a little overwhelmed by what you’ve seen leading up to this day. Advocates of voter registration were in your face, the advertisements have been in your face and some aspect of the election has been everywhere you were — whether it was in conversation, on your television, on a social media feed, on people’s clothes or on the bumper of the car in front of you. Find courage in knowing it was and really is all for the best.
I encourage you to tune in to the networks that will be broadcasting the results tonight. You won’t realize until later how rewarding of an experience it is to watch history happen.
This is a big deal, people! Whatever the result of this election may be, it will have a significant impact on the future of our nation.
Have fun with it. See if you can correctly predict which candidate will win each state. Have snacks and watch with your friends and loved ones. Most importantly, be informed.
Continue to voice your thoughts as well. I have loved seeing my Facebook and Twitter feeds filled with commentary over the duration of these campaigns as a whole.
OK, I haven’t loved everything that’s been said, but what I do love is the fact that people, young people especially, are paying attention and believe their opinions have value — because they do.
Although you may not have the same political beliefs as someone, find a way to appreciate the contrast. When you think about it, the difference in opinions should remind you of the freedom of speech and right to free choice we all possess.
Sometimes I wish we could observe Election Day the same way we observe many other holidays. I’d be ecstatic getting a day off work or school to go vote, be happy about it and watch the results unfold.
Maybe the extra time could make the process of voting on Election Day much easier. Then again, maybe less people would vote early and the polls would be overcrowded that Tuesday. Who knows? What I am saying is I wish Election Day was something people looked forward to and commemorated, an occasion they would enjoy rather than dread.
Celebrate today! This is your country. When it’s all said and done, no matter what officials are elected or which amendments are passed, it is we the people who together make this nation what it is.
Anayo Ordu is an advertising sophomore at UF. Her column appears on Tuesdays. You can contact her via opinions@alligator.org.
