By Nicole Cullen
SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR
I'm currently 18 and I have not yet registered to vote.
I am a little ashamed of myself. I've only just realized the importance of the
primary vote.
The more I learn about each candidate, the more important voting seems. But
now I won't be able to vote in the election on Tuesday due to my procrastination.
I did actually make one attempt to register last December at the Fourth Avenue
Street Fair. A man passing out fliers supporting Dennis Kucinich told me about
a table at the end of the fair where I could register.
And though I did make it down there with the intention of registering, it just
didn't happen. The line was too long and I didn't have the patience to wait.
I was distracted by all the passers-by, crafts and food around me. I know it
is a lame excuse, but I didn't realize that would be the last time I would be
with someone who could help me register in person. Nor did I realize that I
had to be registered by a certain date in order to vote in the primary.
Many people think teenagers are ignorant when it comes to politics. However,
I think it comes down to us not being informed. It wasn't until a month ago
that I learned in school how an actual presidential election took place. And
it wasn't until two weeks ago that I learned all the names of the Democratic
candidates and what they stood for.
When it comes to voting, adults have to remember that we teenagers are starting
from scratch. We need the guidance of those knowledgeable about voting and politics.
Otherwise it's hard to follow through. We teenagers love to say at 18 that we're
finally adults. We love to give off an "I can conquer the world by myself"
attitude.
But it just isn't true.
Now I am taking full responsibility and paying for the consequences of my actions,
but I wish I would have been given more help. For teenagers, when it comes to
voting, the problem is plain and simple: "We need help!"
* Nicole Cullen is a senior at Tucson High. She plans to attend Northern Arizona
University in the fall. This is her third year with 110 Degrees. Contact her
at voices@azstarnet.com.