Our guest blogger is former National Youth Advisory Board member, Kristina Alzugaray. She is the Senior Associate for the Youth & Adult Programs team at Sandy Hook Promise. Here, she shares her experience leading up to voting in her first presidential election, offering advice to youth on why it’s important to exercise their voting rights.
My First Voting Experience
When I turned 18 years old, I wanted to vote but I didn’t know if I should. It’s not like I didn’t know how to vote. It’s as simple as searching on the internet. I just didn’t think my vote mattered. I didn’t think it would make a difference.
Leading up to the 2020 presidential election, my mind was plagued with a lot of troubling questions. Why should I vote? Who’s listening to my voice? Does my vote even mean anything? It was difficult to get past these questions and have the courage to vote anyway. So, why did I do it?
I voted because it’s my right. It’s my right to choose who I want to represent what I believe in. It’s my right to want someone that’s listening and fighting for the youth perspective. And it’s my right to demand safety and violence prevention for all youth in schools and communities.
Voting gives you the opportunity to use your voice. I felt empowered to participate in shaping my community and influencing the future. I want you to feel that same level of empowerment. But sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start, especially if you’re voting for the first time. I don’t have all the answers, but I do have some advice that helped me during my first election. Take a look:
3 Steps to Get Ready for Your First Vote
- Check your sources. Voting isn’t something to take lightly. Your ability to choose who represents you and your voice is powerful. Make sure the news you’re reading to help determine your vote is accurate, reliable, and of course, nonpartisan. Absorb as much information as possible, but don’t forget to form your own opinions.
- Register to vote. If you’re 18 years old, visit Vote.gov to register online or get connected with your state’s voter registration. There’s no need to stress—it’s often as simple as filling out an online registration form. If you’re under 18 years old, familiarize yourself with the voting registration process, so you know what to do when you can vote.
- Be courageous and do it. Show up to the location listed on your voter registration card. Since it’s your very first election, remember who you’re voting for. I’m not talking about which candidate to choose from—I’m talking about the lives taken every single day from gun violence. Think about the parents who have outlived their children because they were taken from them too soon. We’re not just voting for ourselves. We’re voting to protect our schools and communities.
Helpful Tips for First Time Voters
As cliché as it sounds, I was in your shoes once before. I was nervous, anxious, and afraid of speaking up and using my voice. Despite my fear, I greatly understood the power of my vote. Regardless of what you believe in and who you support, vote to protect all children from gun violence. It’s your right. Exercise it.
For more information about voting, visit our blog post, “Are You Ready to Vote?” You’ll find out how to confirm your registration and polling place, learn how to read your ballot and much more. And if you have any trouble voting or need support or accommodations to vote, Sandy Hook Promise has also gathered resources for you to get help.
