First-Time Voters: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Ah, the sweet, heady fragrance of democracy wafting through the air as the 2024 election draws near! Nothing quite gets the heart racing like the responsibility of casting your vote for the very first time. It’s reminiscent of that moment in your youth when you first figured out how to ride a bike—exhilarating yet mildly terrifying, and you pray you won’t fall flat on your face. But fear not! You, dear reader, are not alone in this rollercoaster of a journey, as Lizabeth Nyoike has shown us in her rather poignant reflections.
Lizabeth, a bright-eyed student at North Hennepin Community College (and arguably one of the few who has ever managed to make a riveting topic out of voting), shares a mix of optimism and a hint of existential dread. You see, she’s lifted her ballot-ready hands toward the heavens, envisioning change in her community—and aren’t we all just a bit jealous? We cynics tend to slouch in our sofas, watching election coverage like it’s the newest Netflix special—eyes wide, snacks at the ready, but with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness simmering beneath the surface.
She nails it when she describes voting as “a powerful way we can contribute to the future of our country.” Quite right! It’s like giving the government a strongly worded Yelp review after an unsatisfactory dining experience—sure, they’ll either take the tips to heart or, more realistically, pretend they never received it. Either way, the heartfelt humans in Lizabeth’s generation are about to hand out some blistering reviews on Election Day!
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the voting booth—the gravitas and anxiety hovering over young voters like a particularly irritating fog. For Lizabeth, this impending vote promises to be “more than just a vote.” Yes, a revolutionary manifesto in disguise! But hang on—she admits, quite candidly, that her excitement has waned. Can you believe it? She’s already gone from “Woohoo! Democracy, baby!” to “Oh no, I’m stuck in a harm reduction mindset!” It’s as if her voting enthusiasm has been deflated by a less-than-enthusiastic candidate bubble! You can almost hear voters across the nation groaning, “Do I seriously have to pick between the least harmful options?” It’s like choosing between two flavors of mashed potato—both are equally beige, yet one has a sprinkle of chives to make it feel less bland.
Ah, how the political landscape can sometimes appear as enticing as yesterday’s leftover takeout Chinese food! As an American Muslim, Lizabeth raises an important issue: How do we vote when neither choice aligns with our values? It’s like trying to fit square pegs in round holes— or worse, being served a main course of hypocrisy with a side of broken promises. For anyone frustrated by the endless tug-of-war between candidates, Lizabeth’s candid assessment hit home. Address social issues, they say, promise this, promise that, and what do we get? A healthy dose of skepticism that leaves us asking, “Is it just me, or is this all just political theater?”
So what’s the takeaway here, my dear politically-savvy pals? Well, as Lizabeth prepares to enter the voting realm, we should all take a page from her book. Yes, the road ahead may feel more confusing than solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, but each vote is still a step towards change, however misguided it may seem. The important thing is to engage, to question, and most importantly, to make a ruckus. Who knows, your ruckus could be the catalyst that shapes the future! And with that, let’s all head to the polling booths and… well, try to take some snacks for the road! After all, democracy is hungry work.
Being a first-time voter in the 2024 election comes with many emotions and responsibilities. This election, I am excited to exercise my vote in a way that creates great change in my local community and nation. This is a privileged milestone I used to think of when I was younger, not anticipating it would come so soon. I’m a young adult and student, so my generation is next in line to be future leaders in society. Exercising our vote gives us a chance to amplify our voices and be heard on issues that affect us and the ones we love directly. I’m a college student as well, so this is also a time of learning and growth. Voting is a powerful way we can contribute to the future of our country and communities we’re involve in. By voting, we can influence the policies put in place and advocate for our and others’ needs.
Every election has been important; however, this election is more than just a vote. It’s a chance to be active in shaping the future of our local communities and nation as a whole.
Lizabeth Nyoike, North Hennepin Community College
For the longest time, or since I’ve been conscious enough to remember, the election after turning 18 has been named “the most impactful and exciting election of your lifetime.” Well, at least by my mom. She’s always been a strong believer in standing up for what you believe in and is a strong leader because of that.
Leading up to this election, my excitement has diminished from what it used to be. As an American Muslim, I pride myself in knowing my interests will be nurtured, but at times I feel as though that isn’t the priority. Instead, I find myself stuck in a harm reduction mindset: choosing the candidate that I think will do the least damage rather than the one who genuinely advocates my values. Internationally, my interest lies in the safety of my brothers and sisters around the world. In the Middle East, however, I don’t feel as though either candidate’s platform 100% aligns with my values. Domestically, it’s hard to feel confident, too. While I understand the importance of addressing social and economic issues, some policies from both candidates seem somewhat disingenuous or require clarification with certain promises or claims they make.
