I Am A First Time Voter

Happy Tuesday! The election is over, and the count is almost over. I think someone has already won. In this article, I will try to summarize my first experience of voting. So, let's go!

Before the election day, we agreed that we will vote around two in the afternoon. My sisters and I are first-time voters so we were very excited. In the night, my father called for a meeting so that we will not be lost in the precinct. Also, we brainstormed our bets. I write them all on a piece of paper so that it is easier when it is our turn to vote.

Thank you, beloved sponsors!

May 9th, 2022

Before two pm, I put the things that I will be needed in my bag. What I brought were these:

Alcohol and face mask - The covid is still here. I am vaccinated already but I do not like risking my health and the health of my family. I brought it for my protection. Though there is an alcohol station and free masks, I still brought them for assurance

My cheat sheet- My list of people who I am voting for is on a piece of paper. I also took a photo of it on my phone in case I lost it. I try not to be seen by others because I do not like them judging my preferences, haha!

Identification card- I brought along with me my UM-ID so that they can find my name easier. It is also my proof that I am that individual. It is very handy and very helpful.

My umbrella- the voting area is just a walking distance from my house. I have to bring my umbrella because the sun is frying my skin haha! Also, the UV rays are very harmful to you.

Cellphone- This is for communication purposes and if ever I get bored on the line, I have offline games on my phone. Also, I took a screenshot of my cheat sheet in case I lost it.

In entering the school where we will vote, there are police officers at the gate and an alcohol and temperature check station. We checked our temperature and it turned out normal. We also used the alcohol for disinfection. We passed by many people sitting. I think they are already done voting, or some are just making "tambay".

We found our precinct at last. Ours is the third to the last classroom. There is just a small line. We lined up for about 10 minutes. While in the line, I am observing the people and the environment. The school is surrounded by big trees. I believe that these trees are Nara, which are about 100 years old. Thank God it was windy and not that too crowded or else I will be sweating balls.

It is our turn to vote. Before entering, we were given a number to locate our names easier.

We took a temperature check again and sanitized our hands. It was less than a minute and my name was found.

They gave me the ballot sheet, folder, and a pen. I sat in the last row because it was the only one available. I was seated next to my sister. It took me just 5 minutes to shade my preferences. Thank God that I have a kodigo. After that, we lined up to put the sheet on the machine. We were given a receipt. I double checked it and it is correct.

To seal my vote, I got my finger inked. Up until know, the ink is still there. My father said that it will take a week before the ink will be removed.

Over all, my experience was smooth and fast. The watchers and coordinators are very accomodating and friendly. The materials such as the ballot sheet and the machine are all working smoothly.

I am very happy that I have a positive experience for my first voting.

"Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and this world."
- Sharon Salzberg

That is it for today. Thank you for reading. I will see you at the next one.

Banner edited from Canva. All photos are mine.

Please follow me on my new NC account. Thank you!

Date publsihed: May 10, 2022

My other articles:

🌺 Q and A: Traveling Edition https://read.cash/@Jijisaur/q-and-a-traveling-edition-bbcb37db

💓 Q And A: Sleeping Edition https://read.cash/@Jijisaur/q-and-a-sleeping-edition-5fe79565

🍡 My Met Gala 2022 Rating https://read.cash/@Jijisaur/my-met-gala-2022-rating-83c3d8bb