By Persephone Gonzalez
The presidential election was held on November 3, 2020. As days passed, tensions rose as electoral votes continued to be counted across the country. Millions of people in Texas participated in early voting that started on Oct.13 and continued through Oct.30. Texas is expected to set records as early voting turnout surpasses previous elections. Senior Torian Thompson is one of the many young voters that participated in early voting. Thompson’s experience voting could be described as unusual with social distancing regulations set in place.
“I did wear a mask and it was safe, they had people standing six feet apart,” Thompson said. “It took almost an hour and there were only three poll workers.”
Despite a new and abnormal experience, first time ballotors felt thrilled to be able to participate nonetheless. Senior Mia Huron was one of the many eager young adults that voted this election.
“I’ve been excited to vote for a while,”Huron said. “I feel like it’s really important to vote as early as you can.”
With such a historical turnout for early voters, the importance of young voters is especially significant this year. Thompson expressed that he felt his vote was representative of those who aren’t old enough to vote yet.
“I felt excited that I got to vote,” Thompson said. “I don’t think it’s just my vote that matters, but all the other young people that couldn’t vote this year; I think it’s really important that we vote for them.”
Having voted for the first time, many seniors felt it was a learning experience. Senior Mia Huron explains that she wasn’t sure what it would be like voting, but that it wasn’t difficult once it was time to cast her ballot.
“I had done research over candidates and who to vote for and everything, but I wasn’t prepared for how the voting machines would look,” Huron said. “My advice for future voters would be to just make sure you research everything you can.”
Besides the unusual COVID-19 regulations for safety, and a sense of unfamiliarity with voting, many first time voters describe their experience as pleasant and are excited to vote again in future elections.
“It was definitely very exciting, I can’t wait to do it again,” Huron said.
