For many years, Betty Cartledge didn’t really think about the fact that she had never voted in an election.
However, this year, just before her 82nd birthday, things took a turn.
One day after early voting started in Georgia, local TV station Channel 2 Action News spotted Cartledge heading into a polling place in Newton County, near Atlanta.
“I’m going to vote for the first time in my life,” the Covington resident shared with the outlet that she was casting her first-ever ballot just four days to her 82nd birthday.
Accompanied by her niece, she shared that she had never voted before because her husband, who had been with her for a long time, discouraged her from doing so.
“I was so young and everything when we got married, I never really thought about it,” she said. “And then I got old and I thought that it wouldn’t count to vote.”
Following her husband’s passing last year, Georgia’s crucial role in the 2024 election sparked a national discussion.
When early voting began, she felt it was time to make her voice heard.
While Cartledge didn’t disclose who she voted for, she did reflect on the experience with Channel 2 as she headed back to her car afterward.
“It was neat, it was good,” Cartledge said. “If I’m here, I’ll be back again.”
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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