I wrote a piece for my local paper about my first time ever voting in my life. When I left Liberia, we did not have a government set up to vote in a democratic election.
Thankfully, as I say in the piece, we now have a government that is chosen from a multi-party system. In what I like to call our first legitimately elected president, Liberians chose a female president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
In any case, I wanted to share this piece with anyone who's interested.
It starts here:
Wow! I can hardly believe Nov. 4 is finally here. This is almost as exciting as the day I became a naturalized American citizen, about six months ago.
When I took my oath of citizenship May 2 at the U.S. District Court in Pensacola, it was the first step toward what I'm sure will be one of the most memorable days of my life today.
I get goose bumps just thinking about participating in one of the most historic elections in America.
It's a journey that began July of last year. I made multiple trips to and from immigration offices in Louisiana, was fingerprinted by the FBI, and took a final citizenship test in Jacksonville.
For the very first time in my life, I will vote in an election today. My American-born friends laugh at me when I tell them that I've never even voted for a dogcatcher.
On this day of so many firsts, one candidate from either the Democratic or Republican ticket also will make history. America will elect its first black president or its first female vice president, and I may just have a hand in it.
How exciting!
Growing up in Liberia, West Africa, a country governed by a one-party system, I never had the privileges of voting.
I left Liberia in 1980 to attend college at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. Shortly after I arrived, a nasty civil war began, which kept me from going back. After nearly two decades of civil strife, thankfully, Liberians now can vote in a multi-choice political system.
When I decided to file for my American citizenship last year, I had many good reasons for doing so.
I took small pleasure that I could travel on an American passport more easily than on my resident alien card and that I could apply for a federal job, if I wanted.
I also thought about the more important reasons, like the wide range of freedoms this country offered. But above all, I knew that citizenship would give me something I have always longed for —— the right to be a full participant in my new government.
Today, as I look forward to casting my first vote, I am reminded of the enormous sacrifices made by so many people that now guarantee me the right to vote.
To think that some struggled, and even died in the process, is awe-inspiring and profoundly humbling.
In this day, when we take so much for granted, I've thought lately about the courageous women such as Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, all leaders of the women's suffrage movement. Pushed to the sidelines and kept out of the voting booths, they never gave up.
That's why I know for me, voting is not just a right or privilege. It is an obligation. It is a responsibility that I will do my best to always honor.
Later today, when I walk into the voting booth, I fully expect to have a wide range of emotions.
So, let me apologize now to my fellow citizens, all of those who will assemble at the Cokesbury United Methodist Church on North Ninth Avenue in Pensacola. I know I will cry a little. So, if you happen upon this native African woman, who made her way to the United States 28 years ago, I say please forgive me.
I also plan to take my 11-year-old son, Khaifa, with me. I want him to be a part of my special day, and I hope that he will remember the enormity of this day. But more importantly, I want him to understand that exercising his right to vote is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
Too many struggled and died. And for that reason alone, it is important to fulfill this obligation.
Today, as I cast my first vote, I do so as a proud American.
I have supported Barack Obama ever since I heard him speak at the 2004 Democratic Convention. I never wavered in my support, because I really do believe he will do some good things for this country.