With the Nov. 5 presidential election fast approaching, I’m reminded of my family’s journey to American citizenship and the duties and privileges associated with it. Namely, voting.

When I was 3 years old, I moved to the U.S. with my parents as legal immigrants, all our belongings packed away in suitcases and with a couple of hundred dollars in cash.

It would take a little over 15 years for me to become an American citizen. I am casting my ballot for the first time this Election Day.

Voting is a powerful way in which citizens may voice their opinions. When Americans vote for a candidate, they are not just voting for the person to take a position in office, they’re primarily voting for the policies that the candidate supports. These policies will radically shape how our nation functions.

Over two-thirds (66.8%) of U.S. citizens 18 and older voted in the 2020 presidential election, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So, roughly 1 in 3 Americans allowed their fellow citizens to determine who would represent them.

Prior to becoming a U.S. citizen, I held different visas. At one point, I had a green card saying I was a........

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