With the election here, many of my friends ask me who I’m voting for. They seem shocked and taken aback when I tell them I’m too young to vote.

I was born in the beginning of December, just a bit too late to make the November cutoff for the vote.

It’s very frustrating to be separate from this election, especially with such controversial candidates — a black man, a war hero, a Roman Catholic and a woman. No matter which party wins, it’ll be a very important year, and there is no way for me to be a part of this.

It’s ironic that I can’t vote, because I stay diligently informed of each campaign. I take a genuine interest in politics and the future of the nation. There are others who know nothing about either of the main candidates yet they still cast their vote.

The law clearly states that one must be 18 years of age to vote, but I still feel that I deserve the right just as much as someone a month older than I.

It’s not that it’s unfair for them to participate and not me, but it’s that I keep myself informed, despite the fact that I must just sit back and watch what happens to this country.

I feel as a citizen I have the right to choose our leader, and I do, but not for another four years, when the next election rolls around.

Send in your Election Day thoughts and reasons for voting to [email protected].