by Tonya Bauer

Election 2012- it is an event that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was the first time I voted in a presidential election and it was the first time I got to report on one; two things I’d say impact each other.

I vote every opportunity I get- primaries, county judges, Congress races- because generations before me did not always have that chance. I vote for the African Americans who were beaten, I vote for the women who broke free of the housewife mold, I vote for all the individuals who stood up for their rights, even when no one else did.

I come from white privilege, and I am aware of that. My ancestors, the males anyways, have always been able to vote in this country. But African Americans, women, and other minority groups have not- and even though I may not identify with all these groups, they still suffered and fought for their right to vote, they demonstrated how important the right to vote was, and I don’t want to waste that.

Reporting on the election I’ve heard the stories of people’s first trip to the polls, their ancestors suffrage, or their passion for the democratic process. Seeing their enthusiasm and their excitement about voting makes me not want to waste the opportunity.

Voting is my way to get my voice heard. It is my way to impact society- big and small. That is why I voted in Election 2012 and cannot wait to do it again next year.