MARCH 2, 2020; a memorable day for all Guyanese, whether or not you voted. As an opinion writer, I just had to share my experience with you all. From the title, you probably already gathered that I voted for the very first time at a National Election. Also, yes, I know, I appear quite younger than how I look or sound but that’s not the point I’m trying to make. As clichéd as it may sound, voting for the first time is truly a once in a lifetime feeling. Before, when I was younger, I did not fully understand the meaning of elections, I was never interested in politics (still isn’t to some extent) and elections at that time did not directly affect my way of life. As I grew and I attended the University of Guyana, acquiring the knowledge I have today, my perspective truly changed.

Last week, I woke up to the sound of horns blowing and people shouting, “Wake up and go vote!” My father spotted the excitement in my face from two rooms away and he made sure to go over the voting process with me. We spent the day together as we normally do and later in the golden hour of the afternoon; myself, my father and my mother head over to the polls. ID card? Check. Neutral colour T-shirt? Check. Fully charged phone to snap pictures of my inked finger afterwards? Check. The adrenaline rush and racing heart? Check. I was fully prepared! My parents jokingly asked if I was heading over to write CXC again. The GECOM officers went over the process with me and I placed my ‘X’ next to the party of my choice, placed my ballet in the box and inked up my finger pass my first finger joint (I was that proud). In that very moment, I felt bigger than what or who I thought I was. I finally felt that one little action of mine can change the hereafter of my oil-producing country.

Voting to many is insignificant and to some, they do not care who wins or loses. Or, for some, not voting is seen as a form of mild protest because they are not fully pleased by the mandates of the contesting parties. Whatever your choice for abstinence in voting, I respect it because nobody should be forced to do something (voting) if they do not want to. Nonetheless, I can safely say that I am someone who sees myself under those mentioned categories. I believe that if we only post our problems on social media or simply sit and count the sheep in the clouds—nothing will be done! You have a chance to change the projector and outcome of Guyana’s future. As a youth writer, I am pleased to see the outpour of new and young voters last week. The epiphany of Guyana’s youth is finally coming, we are finally realising how important our voices and actions are.

I must say that the Guyana National Youth Council did an amazing job with their #InkItUp campaign. I learned a lot from it and to all the other NGOs who share details and encouragement to vote. By the time you’re reading this, the results are probably out and everyone is preparing to go back to their normal routines but may I remind you to always keep in mind that voting and ‘exercising your right/franchise’ is of utmost importance. I hope the voices of our young people aren’t only heard again until 2025. Most importantly, as a voter (feels good saying that), I now have more authority and power to hold parties accountable for their actions against their promises and mandates. I hope my storytime is of use to many of you, especially those who’ve never voted before or those who might have doubts about voting. In the words of a GNYC slogan, “Your Voice, Your Vote!”