Thinking back to the first time I voted in 1969.

[PittBlue]

You had to be 21 to vote but you could be drafted at the age of 18. I was a student at Slippery Rock State Teachers College (now University). I couldn’t vote in Slippery Rock so I talked my then boyfriend into driving me two hours to my hometown in Mt. Pleasant, PA, so that I could vote.
It was such a proud moment for me. I have marched, and worked on many Democratic elections in PA. Our home in PA was #1 in the state for door knocks and phone calls for President Obama in 2012. We retired to Northeast Ohio last year to be near our son and his family. I will be walking out the door in a few minutes to vote with the same excitement and enthusiasm that I did in 1969. I feel this is the most important election of my life to save Democracy.
The Makers Mark will be ready for toasting tonight.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

1. 50 years ago for me...1972

[Emile]

2. Same here. I voted overseas in the Navy. I always

wondered if my vote was counted.

[PlanetBev]

4. 50 years for me, as well

I remember how excited I was walking into that polling station (my neighbor’s garage) like it was yesterday. McGovern, of course.

[llmart]

6. Same here.

I remember I was a little intimidated by the voting machine the first time. It all seemed so important and sacred even. I didn't want to mess up and look stupid. Pulled that big red lever left to right/right to left and walked out feeling so satisfied. I did not come from a voting family, though my parents always spoke of Democratic principles which is why I became a Democrat. I still have two siblings that have never voted in their lives.

[doc03]

3. I think I voted at 21 after I had already served two years in

the Army. That would have been 1970.

[skip fox]

5. My vote in 1968 Wood County, Ohio: Dick Gregory for President (write-in of course)

and Eldridge Cleaver for Sheriff (also write in).


Proud then and now.

(Shouldn't OP read 1968?)


(By the way, that was Bowling Green in NW Ohio.)

[panader0]

9. Yeah, I was wondering what elections were held in '69?

[nevergiveup]

7. I drove 100 miles in 1964

back to my small home town in central Illinois to vote for Barry Goldwater. I was in college and it was my first time voting. I was young and somewhat stupid. For the next 20 presidential elections I have voted for the Democrat.

[iemanja]

8. 1980 for me

I voted for Carter and against Reagan.

[panader0]

10. 1972 for me. George McGovern lost the worst landslide ever to Nixon and Agnew.

[BoomaofBandM]

11. 1976 - Jimmy Carter.

I may not be the same as I was when I was 18, but I still have the same ideals. I have never voted for a republican. They never stood for what I believed in.