Astorians cast their proud votes

On Nov. 4, 2008, history was made in the United States. In what seems to be the most important election in our lifetime, first-time voters made up the highest percentage of the voting population.

According to ABC News, 11 percent of voters in the presidential election where first timers, a great percentage of them being young voters under the age of 25.

When I first heard these statistics, I wanted to find out who the young voters of Astoria casted their vote for. What I found was was something much more important.

“When I pulled that lever across[to cast a vote], I felt like my opinion actually mattered.” said first time voter Jason Burles. “It felt good to know that I made some kind of difference.”

This sentiment was echoed by nearly every young voter that I talked to. They felt a sense of pride. For the first time, they felt like their voices were being heard.

“It’s great that so many [young people] made a big difference in this election,” said 20-year-old Astoria resident James Yankopoulos. “It’s even better that I know that I was one of them.”

Who these young men and women voted for did not seem nearly as important as the fact that they took the time to register, wait on line, cast their ballots, and most importantly, felt pride while doing so.

“I actually voted for the president,” said Burles. “That’s pretty cool.”

P.S. 122, a polling place in Astoria.

Four Astoria youths (including myself) who voted for the first time.