Mike Avdey was not going to let being sick get in the way of finally getting to vote.

Avdey, 18, was on his way home Tuesday morning from St. Ignatius High School, where he's a senior, with a bad sore throat.

But before he went home to chicken soup and cold medicine, Avdey stopped at Hilliard Elementary School to vote for the very first time.

"I feel older," Avdey said after voting. "I feel like I'm actually making a difference."

Avdey said his parents have always been politically aware, and his teachers at St. Ignatius have always encouraged voting.

"It's doing my part as being part of the community," he said.

Did you vote for the first time today? Share your experience here!