America in context

Voting for the First Time

Malavika Jagannathan, Green Bay Press-Gazette reporter, new citizen, and new voter, at work in the newsroom. Courtesy of Malavika Jagannathan

Two young Americans describe what voting means to them and their excitement about casting their first ballots.

The right to vote is one of the most basic privileges in a democracy. In the United States, any resident who is an American citizen and at least 18 years old is eligible to vote.

Recently on America in context

The Legacies of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Clayborne Carson at the Public Diplomacy Center in Brussels (November 20, 2007)How relevant is Martin Luther King's vision in today's world of increasing ethnic and religious tension? A lecture-discussion by Dr. Clayborne Carson, professor of history and director of the King Institute at Stanford University. Brussels, November 20, 2007.

American Life, Diversity Explained, Point by Data Point

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who won votes from many diverse groups, speaks to young constituents. (Courtesy Mayor’s Office)America is changing in big ways. It's getting older, and it's getting more racially and ethnically diverse. The median age of the U.S. population is roughly 38 years old, up from 30 in 1980, and will continue to inch up as the large "baby boom generation" reaches retirement age.

Minority Groups Now One-Third of U.S. Population

Golfer Tiger Woods sees himself equally as African-American and Asian American. (© AP/WWP)The United States Census Bureau announced in 2006 that as many as one-third of U.S. residents now claim "minority" heritage, reflecting the continuing evolution of an American national identity that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries.

Volunteerism Is Integral Part of U.S. Culture

Sharing Our National Park System With the World

Religion in America

Protecting Minority Rights

Freedom's Watchdog: The Press in the U.S.

Writers on America

Environment: A Book That Changed a Nation

The American Identity

Philanthropy in the U.S.

U.S. Elections 2008: How the Internet Is Changing the Playing Field

The American Cultural Tapestry

Americans at the Table


MyAmerica.be is a product of the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, but is not the Embassy’s official website. The materials on this site, especially those from sources outside the U.S. Government, should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein or as official U.S. policy. Non-U.S. Government sources available on this site include, but are not limited to, comments, articles, weblogs, forum comments, audio files and links to external websites. Please visit the Embassy website at http://belgium.usembassy.gov and http://uspolicy.belgium.usembassy.gov if you would like more information on official U.S. policy.
View our disclaimer or privacy notices for more information.