This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.
This coverage is also part of our Voting Barriers and Bridges Fellowship, which Canopy Atlanta began this summer. We're training nine Fellows to talk to residents, report on and write stories about elections in low-voter areas. Find out more about the project at canopyatlanta.org/elections.
Canopy Atlanta recently visited Portrait Coffee in the West End and spoke with locals there about their first time voting. From slight confusion to sheer excitement, each resident shared their candid, clear reflections on their first act of democracy.
“The first time that I voted I was 18, and I just started college, and it was for the Bush vs Kerry presidential election. That was really (an) exciting and fun time for me.”
Yvonne, Sylvan Hills resident
“I think it’s the sense of camaraderie and community when you’re voting. When you’re standing in line, you get to talk with people. You’re able to talk about issues that are coming up. You’re able to talk about your opinions.”
Luke, Douglasville resident
“My most memorable moment was the 2008 election, and it was because there was so much passion and happiness from my mom, and it was like my first time ever (voting)…We watched the debates, and she just was explaining to me how big of a moment it was for history.”
Justice, Sandy Springs resident
“I remember not being as informed as I should have been. I voted in a way that today I would not have voted. And I remember being a little confused about where to get information on the different candidate platforms.”
Allie, Capitol View resident
“Back in 2016, I was 18-years-old, and I remember voting in my first presidential election with my mom. It was pretty uneventful. We were in and out in ten minutes. It was something I will always remember being there with my mom.”
Khalid, East Point resident
“My first memory of voting was at Impact Church. It was a really engaging experience, because the representatives actually guided me, told me where to go. It was a little intimidating…But I was really thankful my employer gave me some hours off to go do that.”
Danie, Atlanta resident
Reach out to us at elections@canopyatlanta.org with your thoughts and questions about the voting process and how we can better report the stories of Atlantans this election season.
Editor: Stephanie Toone
Canopy Atlanta Readers: Ada Wood
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