Her First Vote, Her Story

Written By: Abbie McGirt, Senior at the College of Charleston & Be The Ones Communication Intern

For most of her life, my grandmother didn't vote. Like many people, Linda assumed her single vote didn't matter and that one vote couldn't possibly make a difference since most of our elections are decided through the Electoral College, not the popular vote. This belief is more common than we think, especially among people who feel disconnected from the political process. 

Everything changed for her last year when she decided to cast her first ballot in a presidential election. 

What influenced her decision wasn't just the heated political climate, but the power of knowledge and inspiration from family. "When I saw how passionate my daughter and granddaughter were about voting," she told me, "it made me want to understand why it mattered to them. I realized that voting is part of being a citizen, and it's a responsibility- more than it's a choice."

PREPPING TOGETHER

Coincidentally, it was also my first time voting in a presidential election and my first in a new state (South Carolina). I shared my experience voting in a local election in North Carolina - the waiting in line, stepping into the booth, and the proud and satisfying moment of walking away wearing your "I Voted" sticker. 

We registered her through SCVotes.org, a straightforward and simple process. Then we made a voting plan. We decided voting early would be our best option to avoid long lines and unexpected barriers. Looking back, we’re grateful we had that choice to make; it made the whole experience less stressful and more enjoyable. 

On that day, we arrived at the polling place together, side by side - a little nervous but mostly excited, especially me, as I watched my grandmother step into something completely new. I was so proud of my grandmother for stepping out of her comfort zone.

THE BARRIERS WE DON’T TALK ABOUT

But then came the surprise. My heart dropped. Instead of paper ballots, we faced a touchscreen computer system with a straight-ticket option we hadn’t practiced with. I worried about how confusing this might be for her. She isn’t tech-savvy, and no first-time voter should have to wonder if they made a mistake on their ballot. 

It may sound like a small thing, but it's worth noting: even when you prepare, you might not know whether your polling place uses paper or electronic ballots. Despite doing my own research, I could only find a sample ballot to print and did not find information on how to use the touchscreen machine. That knowledge gap - between what’s available online and what you actually face - can feel intimidating, especially for first-time or older voters.

After I cast my ballot, I waited outside with my sticker in hand, but I couldn't stop thinking about her trying to navigate something so unfamiliar on her own. What if she accidentally skipped a choice? She shouldn't have to feel unsure about her very first vote; no one should. I asked if I could go back in and help. 

Standing together at the machine, I was able to help her walk through each step, explaining how to press the buttons and feel confident about what she was doing. She laughed and said, "I'm not very tech-savvy, but with your help, I felt more confident."

That moment made me realize how many small but significant barriers exist in the voting process. Technology gaps, confusing ballot layouts, and  unclear information can turn something that should be empowering into something stressful. And if people feel overwhelmed, they may decide not to vote at all.  

LESSONS LEARNED

When reflecting on this experience, my grandmother shared advice for others: “Preparation is key. Practice with a sample ballot, go with someone who’s done it before if you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help.”

She also spoke directly to the myth that one vote doesn’t matter: “I didn’t know how elections worked. I felt that way too for a long time. But now I know the truth. The statewide popular vote is what decides the electors, and the state’s population - you, me, all of us - are the people who make up the Electoral College in the first place. If thousands of people think their vote doesn’t matter and stay home, the outcome absolutely changes.”

Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start getting involved in civic participation and voting. With the right tools and support, and organizations like Be The Ones who are committed to removing the barriers that first time voters - and young voters like myself face - anyone can step into the process and realize voting isn’t just about casting a ballot, but about using your voice to shape your community’s future.

LOOKING AHEAD 

This November, my grandmother and I will vote together again in our local elections. We’re registered, we know when and where to go, and we’re learning about the candidates so we can make informed choices. 

Local elections matter deeply. Turnout is usually much lower, which  means each vote carries even more weight.  Whether you're 18 or 80, your ballot truly can shift an outcome and change the everyday decisions that affect your community. 

So, if you know someone, whether it's a friend, family member, peer or neighbor, who doubts their vote mattress, talk to them. Share stories like my grandmother’s. Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to inspire someone to take that first step. 

That’s what  happened to her. That’s what I’ll always carry with me.