Opinion: First-time Voter Reflections on Democracy in America
November 10, 2020 - Texas
A Family Voting Affair. Valeria Torrealba (far right) and her family members pose for the camera. Courtesy Photo.
By Valeria Torrealba- Staff Intern, San Antonio Sentinel
Having been raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, election days have always been a whirlwind of emotions. I can still clearly picture it in my head; the way my mom and I would sit together and anticipate the results that we all knew too well were coming, yet still held hope for otherwise: Chávez won, democracy doesn’t exist and my family’s votes were useless.
However, it is so much different in the United States — and this past presidential election has proven so.
After 12 years worth of legal processes, immigration lawyer meetings, interviews and video recordings for the panel of immigration experts who would determine whether or not we were good enough of a family to stay in the country, and one green card rejection letter later: I, along with my mother, finally became citizens of the United States.
Years worth of stress, money and time-consuming hoops my family navigated through finally gave us a hearty result when my mother and I were given the chance to become citizens. Scholarships opened up for me, the fear of having my green card revoked slowly faded away and I finally took a breath.
The timing was impeccable — I had my naturalization ceremony in July, just barely in the nick of time to register to vote. That voter registration card was the first thing I filled out as soon as I got home.
The last four years have shown the truest colors of America: what it means to be a patriot and a “real” American has been questioned relentlessly, all while the melting pot that this country is continues to evolve each single day.
This latest presidential race stirred up a multitude of complex emotions for everyone, but for me, it made me realize that no matter who won — my vote counted. Also, this past (ongoing) presidential election showed the importance of voting and participating in a functioning democracy.
My mother and I went to vote in our respective county. I traveled home to Houston for a few days to catch up with them — I hadn’t seen my parents for months now because of the pandemic and college work kept me busy. Besides, when is a better time to go see them than my mother’s and my first election?
Valeria Torrealba (left) and her mother (right) showcase their “I Voted” stickers. Both were first time voters during the most recent presidential election. Courtesy Photo.
On Friday, Oct. 30, I officially participated in democracy in the United States. I put my mask on, headed to the polling station and cast my ballot. I made my voice heard. I, along with millions across the nation, cast a ballot and voted for the next President of the United States.
It was that easy.
The sense of elation that came from voting felt almost surreal — the process was quick, and my mom and I were in and out of the polling location within 15 minutes. I was congratulated for being a first-time voter, and the atmosphere in the air was that of joy and excitement.
“Look at all of us! We’re casting our votes and being a part of what makes this country great!” were thoughts that raced through my head as I took a breath and selected my candidates carefully.
Although I have not been back to Venezuela in almost eight years now, it is still a part of my identity and the main reason why I choose to be so involved with the political process here in America.
You see, where I come from, the word “democracy” isn’t even existential — years of rigged elections, drug traffickers in the highest elected positions, millions of Bolívares stolen from our very own land and an overall corrupt government have plagued even the simplest thought of it — there is no democracy, there is no justice and there is no voice for the oppressed in Venezuela.
The chance to make a change came and went a long time ago, and my family questions which world leader will be able to intervene and help out the struggling population.
You see, as Americans, your civic duty is to vote. All across the nation, the message to vote could not have been made clearer. Companies, startups, celebrities and everything we consume expressed just how important it is to vote, to make your voice heard.
Although this election was critical to how the next four years will play out in our government and nation, the importance of voting in all elections — local and federal — is highlighted, and I hope it is a message that sticks around for a while.
Change does not just come from one federal election — it comes from the local elections, the ones taking place within your own backyard.
This election cycle, I put my rights to use. I voted, and I plan to continue voting and advocating for my voice, along with many others, in order to be heard. I am a citizen of this nation now, and I actually have a feasible chance to elect those who can make a change.
And that’s exactly what we all need to do going forward. I know I will.
Valeria Torrealba is an opinions columnist and public relations assistant at the University Star, a student publication of Texas State University. Email her at reporter@sasentinel.com