He was as prepared as he could get.

He'd listened to the candidates, studied the amendments and filled out the sample ballot. 

Now 18-year-old Bloomingdale High School student Luke Prenatt of Bloomingdale, accompanied by his entire family, was prepared to vote for the first time.

"It's an exciting time," said his father, Marty. "We took him out of school just for the occasion."

The Bloomingdale family was relieved to show up at their precinct, First Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale on Bloomingdale Avenue, and find no lines. 

Luke's brother, 17-year-old Grant, came along to observe. He'll be voting for the first time next year.

"We've emphasized the importance of voting to them both," said Marty. "It's the biggest thing you can do in America."