I
t’s
been
nearly
100 years
since women
first earned the
right to vote. In 2016,
my daughters will cast
their votes for their first presidential candidate. They have voted
in local and state elections before, but at
19, this will be the first time they will have the
privilege of voting for the President of the United States.
Wow. That’s a serious responsibility. The triplets were
away at school for much of the primary season – disappointing that New Jersey is always at the tail end. We have talked
about issues and candidates, but my husband and I have been
cautious not to push our own viewpoints or agendas on our
daughters. My girls have minds of their own and this is the
perfect opportunity for them to express their beliefs.
Civic engagement is an essential part of the American experience and I want my daughters to be active participants in the
government that serves them – not passive bystanders.
Whatever choice they make, I will respect it. I have learned
over the years that my children make educated decisions. They
do not do what’s popular or expected; they do what feels right.
I am proud that they view citizenship as a responsibility and
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that they
make careful, deliberate
choices after
examining information from a variety
of sources.
Voting is another step in
the voyage toward adulthood.
Making a decision, sticking by the
choice and defending it, and possessing
a willingness to accept the consequences are part
of the learning curve. It is also a very private experience. My
children may tell me whom they choose, but they will not be
required to do so. This is a very personal choice and one that
must be respected, regardless of whether my husband or I are
in accord.
In the end, we all hope that our children will use sound
judgment in making choices. If we have given them the proper
tools, it is reasonable to expect that they will do so. We hope
for this in all aspects of their life – not just the voting booth.
I will not be able to witness this historic moment in their
lives, for they will have to cast their votes via absentee ballots.
Which reminds me…I had better get on them about making arrangements. They’re adults, sure, but they are and will
always be my little girls. ●
– AMELIA DUGGAN
201magazine.com
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