On the eve of her 82nd birthday, Betty Cartledge voted for the first time in her life.
Local station Channel 2 Action News happened to spot the first-time voter heading to a Newton County polling location after early voting began in Georgia.
“I will be voting for the first time in my life,” she told the media.
Cartledge, who was accompanied by her niece, explained that she had never voted early because her longtime husband discouraged it.
“I was so young that when we got married, I never really thought about it,” she said. “Then I got older and I felt like voting didn’t count anymore.”
After her husband died last year, she decided it was time to make her voice heard, especially living in a key voting state like Georgia.
Cartledge did not reveal who she voted for, but she reported the experience to Channel 2 after returning to her car.
“It’s neat, it’s nice,” Cartledge said.
After the video circulated on social media, some viewers commented on their thoughts on Kalic’s landmark moment.
“He doesn’t believe her voice should be heard!! 🥺😤😡” one user pointed out.
“It’s a shame that there are still so many women who can’t vote for who they want because their husbands won’t let them. SMH in this day and age,” said another.
Another wrote: “The problem is that in some cases it’s difficult for a woman to tell a convincing lie if her partner forces her to know how she voted.”
While it’s painful that Betty’s voice hasn’t been heard for 82 years, at least she’s finally free to vote for whomever she wants.
