Welcome to Before the Ballot

Hello Future Voters!

In case you don’t know me, my name is Uma Hedge. I’m a sophomore in high school, I live in South Florida, and I’m passionate about all things writing and politics.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been curious, and maybe a little bossy. I even insisted I was going to be the first Indian, female president of America after the 2016 presidential election. Seven years old, and I had already predicted my future in politics. I threw myself into the role, watching the news with my parents and insisting I was going to run for class president (it’s important to note here that my school did not offer this position. I was the only one running). I was committed.

I no longer insist that running for office is my only dream, but rather, to be in the sphere of how my country governs itself. Being an editor on my school’s newspaper, running the incoming freshman magazine over the summer, and my time on the speech and debate team have given me a clear sense of how to convey information to my peers.

During the 2024 election, I asked my friends who they were voting for. When they gave me the name of a candidate, I always followed it up with, “Why?” I wasn’t trying to attack or judge, I just wanted rationalization. The answer I heard from almost everyone I asked was a shrug and, “That’s who my parents voted for.”

According to Tufts University, only 47% of people aged 18–29 voted in the 2024 election. This is where the problem starts. American teens think their vote doesn’t matter. One vote can’t change the outcome of an election, right? Besides, we’re 18.

Nobody’s talking to us.

We are expected to vote when we turn 18 without any proper information on how to vote when we’re younger. I aim to change that. Before the Ballot is here to foster an environment where teenagers can learn about the news, and the decisions being made that directly impact their generation.

I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. I’m here to provide the pieces, but it’s your job to put them together. With this website, I aim to give teens as young as 13 the tools necessary to be smart, informed voters before it’s their time.

Give yourself the opportunity to learn. Don’t be limited to the information you already have. As political leader Nelson Mandela said, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” For our generation to have an impact on the political sphere of America, we need to take the initiative, open our minds, and learn, for her sake. This website aims to give you the tools needed to do exactly that. Poke around! Have fun! Inform yourself, and make sure to educate yourself before the ballot.