Betty Cartledge got her first taste of voting at the age of 81. hermosawave/ Getty Images; Courtesy of Wanda MooreBetty 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, 81, from Covington, Georgia.