My mother who is 62 years old, is voting for the first time tomorrow. She and my dad came to the US for the first time in 1971 from South Korea, then left for Europe for a few years, and finally returned to CA in 1984.
During all this time, she had retained her korean citizenship and finally decided to apply for her american citizenship this year. Well, she was sworn in as a proud new citizen in July 2004, and she registered to vote at that time.
I called her recently and asked her if she was going to vote. She told me YES, even though the system they have in her county (Northern Ca) is using the Touch Screen voting for the first time, and she was a little apprehensive about using it correctly. She then emphatically told me that she was voting for Kerry. Moreover, although she didn't know much about the other candidates running for election, she was going to vote for a straight Democratic ticket because she didn't think the Republican party really represented any of her ideals...
She is also devoutly Christian (and I mean DEVOUT! She goes to the dawn prayer service every day!) and members of her Korean Church have been vocally canvassing for Kerry. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised to hear that. Mom dislikes Bush immensely and does not think he truly represents any true Christian values.
Needless to say, I am very proud that my 62 year old mother will be casting her very first vote tomorrow!!! GOTV!!!