Homestead students voted for the first time in both local and national elections on April 5.

Students described their experiences.

“It was strange because we’ve voted for things our whole life, whether it be for the student council or even for a class vote on something. But this time, it actually meant something,” Nicole Felton, senior, said. “The fact that I am part of the deciding factor of our country’s future is not something to take lightly.”

Explaining her feelings further, Felton stated, “At the the same time, it didn’t really feel as big and grand as I thought; it was quite simplistic actually. Overall, it was a very cool experience that I am fortunate to have been able to do and I see as my civic duty to complete.”

“But it was very exciting; after all, I have been waiting 18 years for it,” Felton added. “And all of the volunteers were so excited for me. I think that some of them were possibly more excited for me than I was.”

George Ballesteros, senior, said, “It felt really awesome because you finally have a say on who our next president is.”

Sophie Smith, senior, said “It was pretty cool because it was the first time I felt like I fulfilled an adult responsibility since I turned 18.”

Virginia Lee, senior, said, “Even though the first time took a while with registration, I’m glad I fulfilled my civic duty.There aren’t many big opportunities that come with turning 18, but voting reminded me that I actually am an adult.  It’s weird to know I have an influence, even though it’s pretty small, on deciding who leads the entire country.”

Matt Heilmann, senior, said, “I felt like a true American. I slapped my ID on the table and shook the strong, confident hand of American democracy; I looked Lady Liberty right in the face and said ‘thank you.'”

Sarah Jorgensen, senior, said, “I was super excited to vote for the first time because I actually had a say in something for once. At first, it was kind of boring because it took a little while to fill out the paperwork to get legally registered, but after that, it was fun filling in the bubbles for who I was voting for.”

Natalie Aldridge, senior, said, “I was really excited because I love politics. I’ve grown up reading and studying politics, so for me, voting for the first time was like Makkah or something. Most people don’t think of voting as something that’s exciting, but for me, it was very fun to exercise my freedom in that way.”

Thomas DeGuire, senior, said, “It was really exciting to be able to actively participate in our political system. I felt like I finally had the power to influence who represents me, even if I am only one vote.”

All of these Homestead first-time voters look forward to voting in the 2016 general election for president next November.