42 thousand young people will first vote in the elections on October 20
About 42 thousand young people will have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote for the first time on October 20, both in the presidential elections and in the referendum for European integration. Aware of their decisive role in shaping the future of the country, these young people encourage their peers to actively participate and use their democratic right to vote.
Cătălina Cuciuc recently returned home from Great Britain. She went abroad to study, but also to find a job. Recently, she decided to return home, where she says she feels the best. Cătălina will participate in the elections for the first time and strongly believes that change comes from each of us.
"I consider it essential to do this, although I am 20 years old, I am voting for the first time, because recently I had the opportunity to live in another country, in England, and later this year I made a change and I decided to return to the country. This decision is extremely important and I decided to come to vote because the citizens are the voice of the people. I am aware that the change starts with us and I decided that the change should start with me", said the young woman.
Voting is not only a right, but also a responsibility, especially in the case of the referendum, says Cătălina Cuciuc. She believes that the young generation should be aware of the importance of the European ideal.
"It is quite important for every citizen of this country to go to the referendum. Enough steps have been taken so far to move towards European integration and I think it would be a shame to stop halfway. I also follow the events outside and see what is happening in other countries, and I see that the EU offers many opportunities for us, the young people, and I have a great desire for our small country to be part of the EU", said Cătălina Cuciuc.
Alexandru Margina, 18, will also exercise his right to vote for the first time. For over a year, Alexandru has been living in Italy, so he will vote at one of the open polling stations there.
"It is very important to vote, because voting is our way of expressing what we want to happen in the country and it is practically the responsibility of every citizen to choose the people they want in power, who will also represent the people which aligns with their interests", said Alexandru.
In his opinion, both the presidential elections and the referendum are civic exercises that can change the future of the country. "In the referendum, I think it is even more important to participate because changes are being decided that will directly influence us in the future. I believe that everyone should make a personal choice, first of all, not to be influenced by others and to make a decision consciously", said the young man.
Valentina Dobricov turned 18 this year and will vote for the first time on October 20.
"I've been waiting impatiently, I've turned 18 and I'm waiting to go and vote. I think it is very important for the citizen to go out, to think, to take a moment of his time to go vote, because this is for him, for his family, for the people", said Valentina Dobricov, student.
According to data from the Central Electoral Commission, more than 3.3 million citizens with the right to vote are registered in the State Register of Voters.
We remind that the presidential elections will take place on October 20, the same day as the constitutional referendum on the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union.