Maybe it is the heat. Not everyone likes the heat. Maybe the U.S. government thinks that it is not important to us. Whatever the reason, it has been decided that U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico cannot vote for the president of the country, the same country to which we belong.

This reality had never made me feel bad, but when I moved to New York at the age of 18, I saw the seriousness of denying a person the power to vote. Is it not assumed that voting is the right of every citizen to use his or her voice for a better government? On the island of Puerto Rico, this is the question of the moment, especially now that this historic presidential race is taking place in the mainland.

Not being able to participate in the elections is not only frustrating but infuriating. The decisions made in the White House are equally relevant and important for Puerto Rico.

There is nothing to be envied more than the power to vote, and when I meet Americans who voluntarily do not vote, I get angry. If you have the power to represent a progressive idea, why would you not use it?

I am no longer confused by American politics. These elections and my dreams have become a reality. Thanks to the laws in the state of New York, any citizen can register to vote if they have been living in the state 30 days prior to the elections. In compliance with the law, I registered, and I have never felt so powerful. After living in the limbo of a U.S. territory, I finally feel like a real citizen of the United States. My participation in the governmental system is more than a personal victory; it is a step for all Puerto Ricans.

Now I find myself in a position unique among my family, friends, and colleagues in Puerto Rico. I have the privilege to speak for my people, since we have never had the opportunity to speak for ourselves. Finally in November I will be closer to being American that anyone on the island.