Livin’ It Up With Lyndsay

On my walk to the voting poll, I contemplated why I felt such a strong urge to vote this year. I’d previously had the opportunity to vote in a Presidential election but thought that my vote wouldn’t really count. What changed? Is it the state of the economy in the country, our continued presence in Iraq, or have I gained maturity and a sense or responsibility, now at 24 years of age, that motivated me to cast my first vote?

With a record turnout of voters predicted, I think that young adults will play a key role in how the election turns out.

Which Party Are You?

I’m not a member of any party. In fact, I confused the clerk when I registered to vote. She asked if I wanted to enroll as a Democrat or Republican. “Neither,” I said. Then, she asked if I wanted to enroll as an Independent. “Nope, no party for me,” I replied. I guessed by the look she gave me that it’s odd to not want to be affiliated with a political party.

My thing is that I don’t like to be labeled and I don’t want to feel obligated to vote one way. In fact, my votes were for members in both the Democrat and Republican parties. I just want to see the best person in office.

The Issues

Now that I’ve voted, I feel anxious. Did I vote right? Did I research the topics enough?

I breezed through Questions 1 and 3, both of which I have strong feelings about. Yet, I had trouble with Question 2 (the measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana). I can understand both sides – supporters and opponents. I worry about what effect changing the law will have on DUIs. But I also don’t think that a youthful transgression involving a small amount of marijuana should carry heavy penalties that will give a person a permanent criminal record.

As I found out how easy voting was, I wonder why I didn’t vote sooner.

For local election news, check out iBerkshires’ Berkshire County Votes.