Many seniors are turning 18 and beginning to think about future responsibilities: whether it’s college or a career, the difficulties of moving out, and much more. While these responsibilities are exciting, they can also be stressful. One responsibility that is less stressful yet often overlooked also comes with turning 18: voting. 

People tend to think of voting when it comes to the big elections, especially congressional and presidential elections. While these elections are very important and draw many new voters, state and local elections often lead to policies that most directly impact voters. 

There hasn’t been an election yet where there have been many, if any, members of the class of 2022, who are 18 years old. However that will change with the first local election of 2022 on Tuesday, February 15. This election that is less than a week away will be the first opportunity for seniors to make their voices heard through the electoral process. 

Registering to vote and voting for the first time can be intimidating. However, as someone who has been an election worker for the past three elections, I can promise you it won’t be as scary as it seems and that the process is relatively easy. 

Registering to vote can be done online or in-person, including at a polling place on election day in Wisconsin. To register online or in person, all you need is a valid ID. 

Once you’re registered to vote, you can request an absentee ballot, vote early in-person, or vote in-person the day of the election at your polling location. 

Voting in-person the first time can seem a little intimidating, so it can help to know what to expect. 

An election worker will have you present a photo ID and will have you state your name and address out loud. They will then find your name in a large book where you will sign your name. Then they will hand you a ballot to take to the voting booths. There, you will vote by filling out one bubble per indicated section, or writing in a name. Finally, a worker will help you feed your ballot through the machine properly, and you’ve voted! 

The February 15 election for the City of Green Bay is for Brown County Supervisory Districts 4, 5, and 7, and for Green Bay Aldermanic Districts 2, 4, and 6. To find out if you live in a district eligible to vote in this election, visit myvote.wi.gov. Here you can also register to vote, request an absentee ballot, find your polling place, and more. 

Voting is an easy and vital way to be involved in your community, and every vote has a real impact on the world around you. Seniors who are 18 or older should take this opportunity to make their voices heard in their community