PLAINS, USA — Former US President Jimmy Carter, now 100 years old and in hospice care, fulfilled one of his final wishes on Wednesday, October 15, 2024, casting an early vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Carter, the longest-living U.S. president, has been under hospice care since February 2023, but his commitment to voting has remained steadfast.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Carter completed the absentee ballot and dropped it off at the Sumter County Courthouse by Becky Carter, the wife of his son Chip.
Carter, who turned 100 on October 1, had made it known that one of his remaining goals was to vote in the 2024 election.
“I’m only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris,” the former president had said, according to his grandson, Jason Carter.
The Carter family has long been vocal about their support for Harris, and on Wednesday, Chip Carter expressed pride in his father’s dedication.
“It was a good morning for him and good for us that he got it done,” Chip said.
He added that his father “absolutely” voted for Harris, noting, “He’s never voted for a Republican in his life.”
Jimmy Carter, a lifelong Democrat, has consistently championed progressive values and civil rights throughout his political career and post-presidency.
His vote for Harris aligns with his belief in leaders who prioritise public service and decency.
At the Democratic National Convention in August, Jason Carter elaborated on why the Carter family supports Harris.
“Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy,” Jason said.
“She knows what is right, and she fights for it. She understands that leadership is about service, not about selfishness. That you can show strength and demonstrate decency. And that you can get a whole lot more done with a smile than with a scowl.”
Carter’s symbolic vote marks a significant moment in his long public life, which has been defined by his dedication to democracy, human rights, and public service.
Despite his advanced age and ongoing health struggles, his commitment to participating in the democratic process remains unshaken.
Carter has spent much of his life after the presidency working to promote peace, humanitarian efforts, and democratic values, earning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Now, his vote in this election stands as one final testament to his deeply held principles.
