The 29 year old voting virgin

November 4, 2008, a date that so many Americans have been waiting for. A date that is sure to bring changes (hopefully) and more controversies. Changes in our government (after eight long years)and a change in the white house. Our country and our future is at stake and now there are just a few short hours left before such a historical election takes place . Many early votes have been recorded and just this past weekend a visit from the Democratic hopeful was in my neck of the woods. Although not in attendance, I know that history was taking place just a few miles up the road.

You know how they say that the first time is always the hardest ? I truly believe it because the heaviness of uncertainty is crushing on my worried mind. Worried that my choice will be a bad one because after all, I am a voting virgin.

In the past I have been scolded by many people and have even had elderly men shake their fingers in my so-called "unpatriotic" face for saying “I don't vote”. Knowing very well that men and women have died for my right to vote, I felt that I was never educated enough in government, politics and life in general to exercise that right. So for the past ten years I have ignored and waved my right as a United States citizen and it was a decision that I was comfortable with, until now.

Why now? Although politics still scare the heck out of me, I now feel that I have a place in this society and therefore opinions in what happens in my loved country. I am a mother,  wife, home owner and a middle class, hard working woman. It's my hope and desire that I bring my son up in a better America. Whether that means the economy,  universal health care plan or clean energy; I want better for him and the future of my family.

Way back when my son was about to turn one, our nation was attacked. Clear as day I remember sobbing  not knowing what kind of world I had brought a child into. Now, I see what kind of world we can have, I just have to take part in it...

 

For these past months I have read the topics at hand and have listened to both parties speak of change. That magical word “change”, it's so vague isn't it? There have been endless debates, approved messages, controversies, scandals and I still find myself unready. My beliefs are hard to match with just one candidate quite honestly. I tend to sit on the fence with all topics and am able to see both “sides”, which makes my decisions even harder. A decision still has not been made on my part, but come first thing on November 4^th I  realize that  I will no longer be that 29 year old voting virgin. (I'm sure I'll still have butterflies in my stomach and all...)

It's been comfortable not voting for the last, ten years but now it's time for a change. A change for myself, my family and my country. Now lets just hope I can press the right button at the polls. Happy Voting to all!

This is an original Chicago Moms Blog Posting

Donya can also be found rambling on her personal blog Crooked Eyebrow