Waking up bright and early on a Tuesday is nothing out of the ordinary for Elizabethton High School senior Courtney Bowers.

But this week was a little different.

Instead of getting ready for school, the All-American member of the Betsy Band carried over that mentality to T.A. Dugger Junior High with the rest of her family as she cast her first ever vote in an election to celebrate her 18th birthday.

“It was so exciting for me to be part of the voting process,” Bowers told the Elizabethton Star. “So many people around the world do not have the opportunity to use their voice in this manner. I am so incredibly lucky to live in a country that gives me this opportunity.”

Stressing the importance of voting to the youngest generation of America has been a task over the years by officials with the 18- to 29-year-old demographic typically being the lowest percentage of voters to turn out for an election. According to information provided by the United States Census Bureau, 46.1 percent of the demographic made their voices heard during the 2016 election cycle. While still the lowest percentage compared to other age groups, the Census indicated the group had a 1.1 percent increase compared to 2012.

Courtney’s mother, Ellen Hutchins, stated the family has always made it a priority to vote in the local elections but that this year had an extra special feel with Bowers being able to participate.

“Charlie (Ellen’s husband) and I always vote together, and we usually vote early. When we realized that this election was going to be held on Courtney’s 18th birthday, however, we knew we had to wait until Election Day so we could share this experience with her,” Hutchins said. “Honestly, I was a little shocked when she said she wanted to get up early on a day off from school to go vote, but I can’t think of a more perfect way for her to begin adulthood.”

But for Courtney, as soon as the school had registration for an election cycle, she was ready to make her voice heard.

“The day I turned 17, my school had registration for this year’s election. I decided immediately I would register. My mom has always taken me to vote with her and has told me the importance and significance of voting for our community and country,” Bowers said.

Hutchins was quick to point out that her parents instilled that same mentality into her at a young age.

“My parents took me to vote when I was younger, and I’ve always taken my children with me to the polls,” she said. “The only thing I’ve ever accomplished in my life 100 percent of the time is exercising my right to vote in every election we’ve had. It is that important. Courtney has experienced me, and now Charlie, living by example. I’m not at all surprised that she feels so passionately about voting.”

And that passion for making an impact is something Bowers is hoping to pass along to her peers.

“When I first registered at school, many of my friends asked why I was so excited,” she said. “I told them that it’s a responsibility as citizens to express our feelings and vote. It is an amazing occasion that we are blessed with, and we must seize this opportunity.”

Hutchins seconded her daughter’s sentiments about the importance of voting.

“I’ve always believed we are blessed to live in a country where we have the right to vote. So many people on our planet do not. I get very frustrated with Americans who are apathetic or say that their one vote doesn’t matter.  Thousands upon thousands of men and women have served and died for us to have that right, and I am thankful for each and every one of them,” she said. “Having a voice is not only a right, it’s a blessing we have been given as citizens of the United States. I’m proud of young adults like Courtney who appreciate what we have, for they are the ones who will soon be leading our country.”