|
Working the Polls
"This is my own personal way of being a part of the movement to vote."
By
Janee Wafer
In less than three months I will be eighteen years old- old enough to buy cigarettes, old enough to go to clubs and definitely old enough to vote. But one of the most important presidential elections of my time is happening today, November 2, 2004 and unfortunately, I will not be able to cast my vote. It is very frustrating because I believe I am mature enough to know what kind of qualities I want in a president- I’m just three months shy of the legal standards of maturity.
So because I cannot vote, I have chosen to devote my time and energy to helping others vote. “Hi, I’m Janee…let me set you up over here in this booth.” That’s right, I’ll be working the polls. From 6am to 9:30pm, I’ll be assisting the many voters that come to cast their ballots- letting them know that I appreciate what they’re doing for the rest of us Americans who aren’t eligible to vote.
I remember the day Mr. Wanlin, my government teacher, approached the class with an opportunity to help out at the polls on Election Day. At that time, I was very upset about the election being a few months earlier than my birthday. So, the minute I heard about this opportunity, I signed up. Two weeks later, I got a call from the voter's registration office in Contra Costa County, and here I am at 5:30 in the morning, getting ready to trek over to the polling place.
I understand that the result of this year's presidential election will not only affect the adults that are eligible to vote, it will also affect the American youth. Many, like myself, who are a few days, months shy of voting will have to live with the consequences of the actions of our fellow Americans over the next four years. Therefore, I’ve decided to take it upon myself to help get every ballot in before the 8pm cutoff - even if our political ideologies may differ.
Already as it is, there have been many problems for county registrars, ranging from missing registration forms to a record number of absentee ballots. Recent reports have stated that voter turnout in CA is expected to top 73 percent- a record 12 million voters are expected to cast ballots. California’s Secretary of State’s Office says that this year’s turnout is the highest of the last 20 years. So we can definitely expect problems on Election Day. I know my help will be greatly needed at the polls to assist the many new voters, as they get aquatinted with our democratic process, and the many old voters, as they get acquainted with our new electronic ballot voting system.
This influx of voters is no doubt a result of the numerous campaigns to get people out to vote. Many musicians have come together to launch a nationwide concert tour in an effort to politically motivate American citizens. Other famous celebrities like Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy, and 50 Cent are supporting the infamous Vote or Die! t-shirts - appearing on many billboards and commercials encouraging people to vote. We even have the candidates themselves urging young America to make the difference and casts the ballots.
It is very unfortunate that I cannot vote in this year’s presidential election, although I will be considered an adult in less than a couple of months. I can either get stuck on the fact that I cannot vote or I can move on and find a way to get around the issue. So, I’m giving my time to help out with the polls- because even though I can’t cast my own vote, knowing I have helped others make their opinions heard is more than enough for this “premature” adult. This is my way of being a part of the movement to vote.
|
|
