First Time Voting in a Election Year

Every four years, you hear presidential candidates say that the coming election is the most important in our lifetimes. This year it might be true.

Because of the pandemic, a record number of votes are expected to be casted by mail. States like New York, New Jersey sent ballots to everyone for the first time. On top of the mail-in voters, Millennial and Generation Z voters are expected to turn out in record numbers.

Like many Millennial and Gen Z voters, It will be my first time voting in a presidential election year. When I arrived at the polling station at the Haverstraw Rec Center, I was in disbelief that people were still waiting on line to vote.

It was 6:00 pm. I expected lines to die down since I went later on in the day but unfortunately I was wrong.

 Had to wait a half-hour in the cold before I could get inside the polling station.

I made my way to the check-in table and got my ballot. I went to the private dividers in the middle of the rec center to place my vote. Afterwards, I submitted my vote into the machine and I was nervous that it might malfunction but it processed and went through.

“Besides the long line I am glad I voted. I hope my vote will have an impact.” - Noelisa Lopez

Porfirio and Maria Henriquez talking to poll workers.

“It is our first time voting and we believe that our votes matter. We have daughters and grandchildren here in this country and we believe that our decision on the ballot will affect their future for the better.”

I left the polling station feeling great and hopeful for my future and the future of America.