I have been an American citizen for 144 hours now.
Six days.
The very first thing I did after taking my Oath (aside from cry) was register to vote. If you have followed along with my process at all, you know this has been a bit emotional for me – and I am certain that this right, this responsibility – the opportunity to vote in this year’s election is one of the reasons.
I stood, one of 51 people who took the Oath last week. This group represented 25 different countries. Many of those countries do not allow their citizens the right to voice their opinions or to vote in elections. So, this move into U.S. citizenship provides a level of freedom they have never experienced.
I am humbled. I am honored. Like every one of this group of 51, I registered to vote. I will be taking advantage of this right.
Somewhere between 60 and 70% of us (yes, I can say us now) are registered to vote… meaning Americans who are eligible. But that leaves a large percentage of people who are choosing NOT to participate. Why do you think that is happening? If you are one of those people, what would make you change your mind, register to vote, and actually voice your opinion?
I really want to know.
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