time voters describe their excitement, sense of civic duty as they cast their ballots
Across the Bay Area, first-time voters cast their ballots for president, local elected officials, statewide ballot measures, propositions, and other items on the ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election. Voters decided between in-person voting, casting their ballot at a secure drop-off location, or mailing their ballot, marking a communal effort to engage with democracy.
Many politicians and concerned voters alike have wondered how to garner the youth vote, as voter turnout among ages 18-29 has historically fallen behind older generations that have a strong tradition of voting on election day.
However, many Bay Area young people said they value the opportunity to vote for whichever candidates they choose. Some, including 16- and 17-year-olds who cannot vote, have gotten involved in the election by becoming poll workers.
"I just wanted to get involved and see how the process works. It was interesting because I didn't know that there were polls on high school campuses," said student poll worker and Acalanes junior Stella Pacheco.
A convenient place to voteWith the convenience of a polling site at a high school, some Acalanes students cast their ballot during breaks between classes.
"I think that everyone's voice and vote matters, especially for local measures. I voted in person because it is my first time voting. I want to actually be able to go hand it in because I think that is a cool experience for the first time," said first-time voter and Acalanes senior Jake Colaco. Even at Acalanes, older voters far outnumbered students. "There's definitely been more elderly voters and middle-aged voters. Some high school seniors have come in throughout the day to vote though," Pacheco said. Along with excitement at the prospect of having their voices heard, some first-time voters said they feel an obligation to cast their ballot.
"I chose to vote today because it is my civic duty. My family votes every year, so I thought it was the right thing to do," Colaco said.
"I voted in person because it is my first time voting. I want to actually be able to go hand it in because I think that is a cool experience for the first time."
Jake Colaco, first-time voterOther young voters chose to cast their first ballot by mail after making decisions from the comfort of their home, either searching for convenience, or perhaps because they felt best informed that way.
"I voted at home because I wanted to vote with my parents," said first-time voter and Acalanes senior Gianna Bordi. "They are more educated about all of the topics, and I felt like I could discuss them with them, which felt like an advantage."
In her work at the polling place, Pacheco said there were busy times as well as lulls throughout the day.
"We have had points where it is really crowded and other times where there is no one here. You just have to be really patient and calm," Pacheco said.
A rigorous training processPoll workers demonstrate a commitment to the democratic process by undergoing a three-hour training session and putting in a workday that begins at 5 a.m.
"I care that everyone has equitable opportunities, and I think that voting is a really great example of that because everyone has the right to vote for who they want and what they believe in," Pacheco said.
Young voters said they educated themselves in a variety of ways in preparation for their first time picking candidates and measures. Some wondered whether first-time voters are truly informed prior to casting their ballot.
"I did feel like I understood everything that was on the ballot, but I had to do some outside research. I didn't really know much about a lot of the local issues until I did that research, but that information is pretty easy to access online, and I hope that people are accessing unbiased information," Colaco said.
Others looked to the voter information guide that each California voter receives along with their ballot, with its detailed candidate statements and explanations of each issue.
"My parents and I had all of the voter information guides and packets that had come in the mail out while I was voting. We went through all of them and talked about them, so I felt like I had a good understanding of what I was voting for," Bordi said.
"The experience was pretty easy. I wasn't expecting to have to vote for all the local measures and propositions until I saw the ballot, but overall, the experience was fun because it was my first time and I had a good time with it," Colaco said.
Changing things upSome long-time voters who recently had mailed in their ballots said this year they are changing their Election Day routine and going back to in-person voting. After having cast their ballots by mail in the 2020 presidential election, they went to the polls this year.
"I felt like I needed to do something this year that had a little more meaning than dropping off a ballot. This election feels really important for women and for everything that I believe in, so I wanted to do it in person," Lafayette voter Sarvi Anderson said.
"I dropped off my ballot in person because I think it is more secure. ... I like to take my ballots inside because I like to know for sure that my ballot is going to be counted."
Maria Banuelos Connell long-time voterSome long-time voters consider security an issue this election, many for the first time, despite intense voter security measures by counties across the nation. This seemingly poses less of an issue for young voters casting their first ballot.
"I dropped off my ballot in person because I think it is more secure," long-time Contra Costa voter Maria Banuelos Connell said. "I don't like to drop the ballots outside. I like to take my ballots inside because I like to know for sure that my ballot is going to be counted."
Many voters who cast their ballots on Election Day said they have established processes for how they select candidates and vote on certain issues, hoping that younger generations establish their own traditions.
"I tried to align candidates with my morals, values, and ethics. The ones that matched most closely were the ones I most voted for," Banuelos Connell said, "I have never missed an election since I was 18 including midterms and primaries."
Molly Connelly is a junior at Acalanes High School.
