81-Year-Old Woman Silenced by Late Husband Proudly Cast Her Vote for the ‘First Time’

An elderly woman in Georgia did her civic duty and cast her vote in the 2024 election.

Betty Cartledge, handed in her ballot in Newton County, located in the greater Atlanta area, and it marked a milestone for the woman as she approached her 82nd birthday.

"I’m going to vote for the first time in my life," the Covington resident proudly boasted to Channel 2 Action News on Oct. 16 (Wed). 

Cartledge, chaperoned by her niece, told the outlet that her late husband discouraged her from voting, so she just got used to her opinion being silenced. 

"I was so young and everything when we got married, I never really thought about it. And then, I got old and I thought that it wouldn’t count to vote," she explained. 

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After her husband passed away last year, Cartledge decided that she would make sure her voice was heard.

Sticking true to her right as an American, she didn't reveal who she voted for, but she did share her experience with the local news station. 

“It was neat, it was good. If I’m here, I’ll be back again," Cartledge said. 

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In the 2024 election, Georgia is thought as one of the states that could play a major role in deciding if Vice President Kamala Harris or ex-President Donald Trump earn the prestigious title of Commander in Chief.

Georgia holds 16 Electoral College votes, and in the past few elections, the state has slowly shifted from majority red to a slight shade of blue. 

Women were given the right to vote in the United States in 1920 when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified.