I was about two weeks into being 18 when I had my first opportunity to vote. My mom asked me if I wanted to go with her, even though she must have already known the answer from her opinionated and avid news-reading daughter would be a resounding “yes!”
I drew both smiles and raised eyebrows from election officials, triple-checked that my mark wasn’t outside the lines, and beamed the whole four-minute drive home.
I can’t remember now if my chosen candidate won or not, but I do remember feeling heard. And a bit proud that I was now trusted with such a responsibility. Issues and initiatives impacting and benefiting my life needed to be considered by those vying to represent me.
I have voted ever since and, even though I don’t think I’ve ever voted for a successful candidate (except perhaps that first one I can’t remember!), the act of voting reminds me of my role in responsible government and empowers me to share what I believe is most important to myself and my community.
This is why I write today encouraging everyone with young people in their lives to encourage them to vote. Let’s show our young people their issues and their insights matter.
Let’s model the importance of participating in civic responsibilities; the privilege of participating in representative government. There’s no time like the present to be that example.
Young people encouraged to vote Feb. 27
—Sarah Fischer
Amherstburg
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