First time voters hit the polls; Memorial High School seniors exercise their constitutional right
Published 5:54 pm Tuesday, October 25, 2016
- A group of Memorial High School seniors file into the Port Arthur Public Library to exercise their right to vote for the first time on Tuesday. Mary Meaux/The News
A group of new voters hit the polls and cast their ballots for the very first time on Tuesday.
Thurman Bartie, an instructor at Memorial High School, gathered up 32 students and brought them to the Port Arthur Public Library to vote.
Memorial High School students Carlie Goudeau, left, Haykm Nelson, Shiran Clark, Chalanna Harris and Catina Bowie talk with news media about voting for the first time outside the Port Arthur Public Library on Tuesday.
Mary Meaux/The News
High school senior Chalanna Harris said she followed the presidential race via social media, watched the televised debates and did her homework before hitting the polls. Some of the local candidates had previously visited with students; something Harris felt was a good gesture and a way to introduce themselves to a new set of voters.
“You have to get out and vote,” Harris said.
Her research led her not to vote a straight party ticket.
Carlie Goudeau did her research on the presidential race, followed social media and CNN. She said this is an important time in her life as she is voting for the first time.
The American flag waves in the wind at the Port Arthur Public Library where early voting is ongoing Tuesday.
Mary Meaux/The News
Daniel Estrada said it felt good to vote and was glad for the opportunity to exercise his constitutional rights. He watched presidential debates and candidate discussions, which led him to choose who he was voting for.
“I had my mind made up on whom to vote for,” Estrada, who voted straight party ticket, said.
He hopes that voting in this election will help him get into the habit of voting later down the road and making good choices.
Haykm Nelson, like his classmates, studied up on the candidates in order to be an informed voter.
“I felt it is my time to make an executive decision. It felt wonderful (to vote),” Nelson said.
As a new voter he feels others should follow the lead. If not, then don’t complain.
“You had a voice and didn’t use it,” he said of those who choose not to vote then complain later.
Bartie said he plans to bring another group of students to the library to vote on Wednesday.
“The point is to get the kids involved and ensure that when they finish high school we are preparing them to participate in government,” Bartie said.
There have been a number of opportunities at the high school for students to prepare for voting – voter registration, a forum, mock election and election, he said.
Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429
Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews
