Front Row Seats to True Democracy

Today, I became an American.

For the first time ever, I was given the honor of voting. The Wisconsin government has not only heard my voice but has also listened to it, regardless of whether my choice of candidate is elected or not. It was exhilarating, fantastic, and far easier than I expected. I left home to vote at about 3:15 and was home by 3:30. I was physically at the polls for about five minutes. Fellow teenagers, vote; it’s not as hard as you think.

Having this recall election be my first voting experience will definitely shape my attitude towards politics for the rest of my life. No matter which side of the debate you are on, we can all agree that this recall election was certainly a powerful display of democracy.

Last year, people from all across Wisconsin came together to make their voices be heard. Those dissatisfied with Walker’s treatment of public sector unions came to protest. Those who supported Walker stood up and fought for their elected governor. It was truly the purest form of democracy. People had opinions and they made sure their voices were heard. It was outstanding. For once, I truly looked up to the older generations and hoped that when it was time for my generation to be those voices, we would not hesitate to follow their example.

The unending recall debates sparked a democratic flame inside of me. These people came together to make a change, and the government, including Governor Walker himself (to his credit), responded in the most appropriate way: by holding this election (and as according to the Brookfield Patch, turnout hit almost 60% in Brookfield by 3PM. AMAZING.) I was lucky enough to be in the front row while watching true democracy unfold.

And soon enough, it became my turn to have my voice be heard. Therefore, just as I had hoped, I stepped up to the plate and did my civic duty.

Putting my ballot into the machine felt like stepping up to the microphone and declaring my vote. But in the same way, I was returning the favor to Wisconsin. This state educated me from Kindergarten to the 12th grade. It taught me my ABCs, my multiplication and division tables, and my values. Voting was the least I could do.

Thank you, Wisconsin, for helping me to grow up, and thank you, Wisconsin, for listening to my voice. It surely will not be the last you hear of it.