Review: The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Marva Sheridan has dreamed of voting in her first election since childhood. So when November 3 comes around, she cannot wait to cast her vote and make a difference. After all, she’s spent the entire summer educating and registering voters in her community. Duke Crenshaw, on the other hand, is ready to get this election over with so that he can vote and make it to his band’s first gig. 

When Duke and Marva’s paths cross at their voting location, their plans for the day turn upside down. After Marva casts her vote, she overhears a volunteer telling a male her age that he is not on their list of eligible voters— and that male is none other than Duke. Determined to ensure every voice is heard, Marva sets out to help Duke vote. The two spend the day skipping schooling, running between different voting precincts, waiting in lines, looking for Marva’s lost cat, Eartha Kitty, and helping seniors at the local senior home vote.

The more time Duke and Marva spend together, the more time they get to understand one another— and America’s rigged political system. The two are determined to make sure everyone who wants to vote in their community can.

We really enjoyed The Voting Booth! This adorable romcom combined two of our favorite things: politics and YA romance. Though the book has a light and feel good romance, it also touches on important political issues, like political disenfranchisement, voter suppression, race in America, and other social justice issues. 

Duke and Marva were relatable and dynamic characters. Both had unique POVs and backstories that added to the book, including Duke’s complicated family dynamics stemming from the murder of his brother.  We could relate to Marva’s desire to succeed and how she put her heart into voting. Dukes sister, Ida, was hilarious and she added comic relief when the trio was together. Though Duke’s family was infuriating at times, we were glad they pulled it together and tried to tackle their issues. Marva’s family was awesome— including Eartha Kitty! We wish her Instagram account was real, ha! 

We enjoyed getting to know these characters and we were rooting for them from the start. Marva and Duke’s romance was so sweet and not insta-lovey, which was great since this book takes place over the course of a day. The two really bonded throughout over the course of their voting escapades. They brought out the best in each other, and we liked the way their story ended. It was the perfect wrap up to their newfound friendship that could lead to more.

If you’re looking for a feel-good romcom with a touch of politics, definitely check this one out! Also, don’t forget to vote on or before November 3rd! Marva was right, every vote matters!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️