Theresa’s Story: What I Learned from Voting for the First Time
Theresa Ross, Field Organizer, Hopi Tribe
When Theresa Ross walked into her polling place for the first time, she expected a straightforward process. She had been a registered voter for years—but had never actually voted. In 2024, that changed. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” she said. “But I felt like I had a voice the moment I cast my ballot.”
Theresa describes the moment she opened her first ballot as overwhelming. “It was long,” she recalled. “And I didn’t really know who some of the people were.” Although she had planned to vote in the presidential election, the ballot also included races and issues she hadn’t prepared for—like judges, senators, and state propositions. She realized then how little guidance she had received.
“I wish someone had walked me through it first. Just having someone there to help would’ve made it way less stressful.”
Theresa voted alone that day. No one explained the ballot, and she didn’t feel confident enough to ask for help after seeing others turned away from assistance at the polls. Still, she left with a sticker and a deep sense of accomplishment. “I felt powerful,” she said. “It was like I had finally put my voice out there.”
Looking back, Theresa says that more accessible, culturally rooted voting education could have made a big difference—not just for her, but for many Native youth who don’t vote. “Some people don’t vote because they don’t know anything about it. They don’t know who’s running or why it matters.” She believes early exposure and visual explanations—like mock ballots and community-based workshops—would help first-time voters feel more confident. “If there had been a little conference or session showing us what to expect, that would’ve helped a lot.” Arizona Native Vote hires people like Theresa to provide voting education and other resources to Native voters so that everyone can feel confident when they cast a ballot.
For Theresa, voting is more than a personal milestone—it’s a way to stand up for future generations. “I vote because it’s a voice for the younger generation.” She also wants others to share their stories. “It helps to hear what other people went through. Then you can picture it for yourself.”
Teresa’s advice for new voters?
“Know who you’re voting for and why. Look at their background, their values. Have your documents ready—your ID, enrollment card, anything you might need.”
