Hello there! I was invited to attend the MTV ELECTION AFTERPARTY at Miami-Dade College’s Kendall Campus on November 6th to celebrate voter turnout, and it really was a fantastic night!

The “red” carpet was cut a bit short due to the doors opening for general admission, but we got to see hosts Charlamagne The God and Liza Koshy hit the carpet, along with PRETTYMUCH, a few of the March For Our Lives co-founders (Delaney Tarr, Tyah Roberts, John Barnitt, Adam Alhanti, Daniel Duff and Brandon Dasent), Lauren Jauregui, Amara La Negra, Jazz Jennings and Ashanti.

While DJ Nasty played some recognizable hits for the growing crowd, people could roam around, grab something to eat or drink, take photos at designated photo areas and also pick up some free swag courtesy of MTV. Liza and Charlamagne were great, engaging, hosts and the performances were high energy the whole night. There were even little dance battles breaking out in the crowd while DJ Nasty played between sets.

One thing that really hit me while attending this event was the number of young people rocking their “I VOTED” stickers. Some wore their stickers on their shirts, while others wore them loud and proud on their cheeks. Host Liza Koshy (who, by the way, is honestly one of THE sweetest people I’ve ever met & should be protected at all costs lol) found an even more interesting spot for her stickers (see above).

I’m guilty of being 34 and only just learning how important the Midterm Elections really are, so it really made me proud to be considered part of the Millennial generation that went out there and put our voices to good use this time. It also made me proud to have my niece, Briana, with me as an intern for the event. While she’s not yet old enough to vote, my hope is that bringing her to an event like this, where voting is celebrated and is gaining popularity amongst the future leaders of our country, will instill that importance in her before she’s even able to register. If we can help inform younger generations of the importance I was previously unaware of, they’ll be inspired to go out and join us at the polls in the future and that is what this country needs–informed individuals who vote for improvement on important topics like gun control, women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, police brutality, etc.

The fact that MTV hosted this event here in Miami and that the hosts, guests and performers took the time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with us as voters was very much appreciated by everyone in attendance.

While on-stage, PRETTYMUCH (Brandon Arreaga, Zion Kuwonu, Nick Mara, Edwin Honoret and Austin Porter) were asked which issues they felt most passionate about. While they’re all new to voting, Austin jumped at the chance to speak on climate change. He urged the crowd to take care of our environment and to protect it for future generations. Tyah Roberts (one of the many co-founders of the March For Our Lives movement) said she felt like a superhero as a first time voter. She insisted that everyone go out be their own superheroes by using their power to create change.

As an older part of this Millennial generation, it made me proud to know that one day we’ll be leaving this country in these mature, educated, inspirational hands. Here is what my niece, a future voter, thought of the event:

“It was awesome getting to be at an event like this. Being able to meet Liza Koshy and Prettymuch were a bonus! My aunt talks to me about the importance of voting and, even though I’m not old enough to vote yet, being around so many people close to my age that are speaking up and trying to change things really proves how important it is.  Once I turn 18, I can’t wait to do the same.”

We just wanted to send a special THANK YOU to everyone that planned the event, attended the event, allowed us to be there and especially to everyone who went out and voted! That’s what it’s about, people! Make your voices heard and create change!