I never dreamt, or even knew how to dream, of a day when I could vote; when my voice would be heard and counted. Tuesday, November 3, 1992, will be forever etched in my mind as one of the most memorable days of my life. It wasnât only my first time to vote in the U.S., it was my first time to vote, ever. At age 34, my voice was finally heard somewhere in this world. Not only somewhere, but in the United States of America in the Presidential election. On that crisp fall November morning, I thought, âHow cool is this.â I felt very honored, since I knew only too well that many countries in this world did not allow their residents to vote. Growing up in the Arab world, I donât remember my parents ever voting or being given the opportunity to vote.
I woke up that election morning filled with anticipation. I drove my then fiancĂ©e, Michele, and two friends, to the nearby voting center in the Washington, DC area. I was shocked at the long waiting line to get in to vote. The reality hit me that all Americans had the right to vote. I thought to myself, how lucky were these people, and now, suddenly, I was one of them. I checked in and showed my ID. I anxiously awaited as the lady behind the desk scrolled through a stack of papers trying to find my name. I asked myself, âWhat if she doesnât find it?â I was finally able to breathe when the clerk found my entry. She leaned over her papers and haltingly said my name and asked if it was correct. Although she scrambled my name, I knew it was me. And now, finally, here was my moment to cast my vote for President of the United States. I walked over to the small voting booth hoping nobody saw my trembling knees. I pulled back the black curtain and stepped inside the tiny compartment; I felt a bit claustrophobic. Inside the booth with the curtain drawn, I felt as if I were taking the toughest and most important test of my life. I was nervous, and didnât know what to expect. I couldnât see the person next to me, or who he or she was voting for, nor could they see me. I nervously read the nomineesâ names, more than once, to make sure I voted for the candidates I had in mind. Hand shaking, I fully marked the correct circles. I pulled aside the curtain, and proudly walked over to the voting representative and handed in my ballot. Once outside the building, I rushed over to Michele and our friends who had already voted. With a big smile and tears in my eyes, I hugged the three of them.
Even though I came to the U.S. on December 25th 1978, I was not allowed to vote until I became a U.S. citizen, just in time for the 1992 election. Ever since then, I have not missed a vote. I never thought a single voice could make a difference in our country, in our state, in our town, in our community, in our lives. Never miss that special day, as your future depends on the leaders we elect. I believe this yearâs election may be the most important vote in our lives. So, please do NOT take your vote and voice for granted. You have no idea how privileged you are to be born in the U.S. and to have the right to vote.
I VOTED TODAY. HAVE YOU VOTED YET?