At the age of 18, I became a first-time voter today.

[lightningandsnow]

I live in Toronto, Canada. Our municipal election is October 25th, but since there's advance polling going on, I decided that since I don't have class today, I would vote.

I voted for Joe Pantalone for mayor, Kristyn Wong-Tam for city councilor, and Chris Moise for school trustee. If you don't live in Toronto, chances are that these names don't mean much to you. However, they are all strong progressive voices with a vision for the city. Kristyn, in particular, I am honored to vote for. I have been volunteering on her campaign since July, and I believe that she can really lead change in this city, and improve the situation of its most vulnerable residents.

The voter turnout is always very low in the 18-25 age group. It's not because young people don't care. It's because often, people in power do not listen to us, or make time to find out what our concerns are. The three people I voted for today have all made a point of listening to youth voices.

I am proud to have voted today.

[virgogal]

1. Congrats ! I couldn't vote until I was 21.

[glowing]

2. I was late too.. First election: Al Gore lost.

[lamp_shade]

3. Damn Right!! Damn Proud!! Congrats,L&S. My daughter's 18th birthday was on election day 1996.

We both voted for Clinton. She was SOOOO proud and wore her "I Voted" sticker for days.

[frazzled]

4. Congratulations, and good for you!

I heart Toronto very much. I spent all my summers there when I was a girl (I studied at the National Ballet of Canada School and lived at the Univ. of Toronto dorms), and then many years later we lived in Buffalo, NY for a while. Our many trips to Toronto were the highlight of those years.

So thank you for helping to make it an even better city! I'll have to visit again soon. Porter Air makes it a breeze (even though I know its island landing site is a problem for many residents. Sorry!)

[Spazito]

5. Congrats, lightningandsnow!

:thumbsup: on voting today, you should be very proud.

We have our municipal elections on the 18th (Alberta) and I have some homework to do before then, lol.

[Dappleganger]

6. Way to fulfill your civic duty!

Wish there were far more like you who take it so seriously. Our oldest daughter (18) is voting in her first election in Nov. and she's very excited.

[treestar]

7. Wonderful!

Keep up the good work!

[lunatica]

8. Congratulations for voting the very first time you can!

That's remarkable.

[Pithlet]

9. You'll never forget today.

I hope all your choices win! I voted for Clinton my first time. It was his first term.

[TexasObserver]

10. Congrats !

[Bluenorthwest]

11. Congratulations, voter!

You have a great a beautiful City. Good luck to all of your candidates, and to you!

[tabasco]

12. Well, alright!

Weird thing with that air force commander up there, eh?

[KamaAina]

13. It'd certainly be sweet for T.O. to have a progressive mayor

one name that does mean something to me is that of Mel Lastman! :puke:

[lightningandsnow]

Rob Ford (the frontrunner) would basically be Mel Lastman round two, only worse

He's a freeper of the worst kind. :puke:

[sarge43]

14. Excellent.

:applause: It's quite a thrill, isn't it?

I hope your choices win.

[flyarm]

15. CONGRADULATIONS!!!

[proud patriot]

16. Woo Hoo ! Congratulations

I remember my first vote . it was for Jesse Jackson in the primaries.

[mimisees]

17. Congrats

It is a privilege not to take lightly.

[Scuba]

18. Congratulations, and especially congrats on being an informed voter !!

[stray cat]

19. Good for you and thanks for being a new informed voter!

[Iggo]

20. Good for you!

Don't be like me, though.

I voted for Reagan. D'oh!

[struggle4progress]

21. .

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: