NJ Council for the Humanities

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DCP Response 258

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

I remember my mother helping me to register to vote. I remember her telling me in free democracy that every vote counted and that I should never miss or take for granted the opportunity to do so.

FIRST NAME: Sherry AGE: 59 TOWN: West Berlin
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DCP Response 265

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

Pride and fear – my grandfather taught me voting is a privilege and a responsibility. To vote for the person make the best decision for me whether they looked like me or agree with everything I thought. To vote for someone that would do the research and get to the truth and make the choices to better everyone’s lives. To do the best for my community, state, and nation.

FIRST NAME: Marsha AGE: 70 TOWN: Princeton
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DCP Response 188

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

DCP Response
My mother used to bring me into the voting booth with her and pull the curtain lever. She instilled in me the importance and privilege of voting (a first-generation American). My first vote was cast for George McGovern, and I remember the feeling of awe, solemnity, and excitement it occasioned, even though he lost the election.
FIRST NAME: Barbara AGE: 70 TOWN: Princeton
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DCP Response 189

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

DCP Response
I was 18 years old and going to school in Texas. That year was a presidential election. I voted with an absentee ballott because my home state was New York. I was happy to see that New York State had a Right to Life party since that right is still the most important.
FIRST NAME: Lisa AGE: 60 TOWN: Princeton
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DCP Response 190

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

DCP Response
The first time I voted was in 1960 – for John F. Kennedy, I was to a school on 20th Street in Manhattan, between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, when I pulled the lever for Kennedy. It was almost melodramatic, a small gesture for a powerful gesture. I have voted in every election since then.
FIRST NAME: Howard AGE: TOWN: Princeton
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DCP Response 185

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

DCP Response
It was a primary, and my mother and I went in together. I hurried toward the Democrat table and she turned toward the Republican table. One of the volunteers called out her name and said (judgementally), “Your daughter’s a Democrat?!” for all to hear. My mom turned to me and said milldly, “Are you a Democrat?” I said “Yes. Are you a Republican?” “Yes.” We both continued on our way, I was so proud of how cool my mother was.
FIRST NAME: Annie AGE: 63 TOWN: Hopewell
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DCP Response 186

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

DCP Response
The first time I voted I had a strong memory of my father who wore a suit when he went to vote. He was an immigrant and a “blue collar” worker. Wearing a suit meant it was impotant to him. And he dressed in a suit every time he voted.
FIRST NAME: Albert AGE: 74 TOWN: Rocky Hill
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DCP Response 187

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

DCP Response
The first time I voted was probably in elementary school. I was in 2nd grade and I was voting for the student council president, vice president, and secretary. Luckily, my friends had older siblings running for each position so I just voted for them. Only the one running for secretary won, though.
FIRST NAME: Adyant AGE: 12 TOWN: Princeton
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DCP Response 171

What do you remember about the first time you voted?

DCP Response
My first presidential election was Bush v. Gore. At the time Gore (prev VP) was in the shadows of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. Gore was pushing an environmental agenda, something that spoke to me as a millenial. Now look at us! We all hot and fat!
FIRST NAME: Wale AGE: 36 TOWN: Ewing
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