I voted for the first time at 81. I waited until my husband died, and it was more emotional than I expected.

hermosawave/ Getty Images; Courtesy of Wanda Moore

• Betty Cartledge voted for the first time by placing her ballot in the 2024 presidential election.
• The great-great-grandmother had previously been influenced by her late husband, who never voted.
• She'd also felt held back by her illiteracy but said she's proud that her voice is finally being heard.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Betty Cartledge...