Our first time in the voting booth: JUSTINA RUSCH

Mar. 25, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) --
In case you haven't noticed, we are in the midst of a presidential election and young voters are paying attention this year with so much at stake for our country. Two Sun Herald Teen Board members will be voting for president for the first time in their lives and they share their thoughts below about the importance of voting.

Political newbie

Becoming 18 is a big turning point in many teenagers' lives, a turning point that comes with more privileges and responsibilities. One of those privileges is the ability to vote. Since I turn 18 in May, the November presidential elections will be the first time I will be able to vote.

I have always had a slight interest in politics, so I am very excited to be able to take place in the election process. Since I am still a newbie in the political scene, I have not chosen which political party I like more or which candidate I would like to become our next president.

Both the Republicans and the Democrats have beliefs I agree with. For this election I am more interested in the politicians' stances on issues, and their ability to run our country than their political party.

I would like a president who has experience, some of my same beliefs, and character. I care about the candidates' past political experiences. I would rather have an expert in politics running our country than a novice. Our incoming president should be one who is able to stick to his or her beliefs. Being president is a hard job and our country needs someone who can make decisions and stay with those decisions.

As a teenager, some of the key issues do not matter to me, but some are very important to me. I am not that interested in taxes, health care or gun control, but I am interested in the war in Iraq and global warming. Both of those issues could have long-term effects on our country. I would like a president who would make laws to help America in the present and in the future.

Character is another major deciding factor for me. The presidential races can sometimes get ugly, but I don't want to hear about all of that. Our president should be able to get along with other people even in bad situations. The president of the United States should be a role model for people, and I would not want a role model who degraded other people.

To help me make my decision, I am trying to pay attention to the debates and primaries. Hopefully, when all of the primaries are finished, I will have figured out whom to support as president. I would like to encourage all teenagers to take interest in these primaries because one of these politicians will soon be leading our country.

Finding a voice

Every little girl I know dreams of being a princess. Having power. Making her voice heard. I must admit, I was one of those little girls not so long ago.

However, as I grew up, I saw my princess dream fade slowly away. Now, with my 18th birthday quickly approaching, it may seem as if that dream is nothing but a glimmer in my memory book. The goals I had as a little girl, however, will soon be coming true. I will have a power and a voice. How, you ask? I will get to vote.

According to our laws, any U.S. citizen over 18 years of age may register and vote, regardless of gender or race. Previously the words were nothing to me but ink on an old piece of paper. Now, however, they are real and alive to me. In September (21st to be exact), I will bridge the gap between registered voter and non-registered citizen. In my world, the entire political process is starting to come alive.

Before this year, I had no say in politics or policies. Now I have the power to express my opinion. In the immortal words of the "Spider-Man" movies, "With great power comes great responsibility."

I cannot and will not take the role I now have in society lightly. As the presidential election steadily draws near, I find myself paying attention to the news and the candidates. For the first time in my history, whom I think is best will matter, and I want to be completely confident going into the voting booth in November.

I expect to stay informed and up to date on the candidates and their opinions on issues. I hope to find one who agrees with my morals and who I know will keep our great country safe and strong. My princess dream is coming true. With the voting booth as my castle and the ballot as my wand, I will let my voice be heard as a citizen, and as a first-time voter.

- KATIE WILSON

Newstex ID: KRTB-0021-24000986