Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter made good on his final wish by casting his vote in the 2024 presidential election just weeks before his passing at age 100.

Despite passing away more than a month after Election Day, Jimmy Carter fulfilled his desire to vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election by mailing in his ballot from his home in Plains, Georgia, just days before his 100th birthday, as the Irish Star reports.

Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of public service and global humanitarian efforts. One of his final wishes was to live long enough to cast his vote in the 2024 presidential election. His son, Chip Carter, confirmed this desire, sharing it in an interview with the Associated Press.

“Before the election, I asked him if he was trying to live to be 100,” Chip Carter recalled. “He said, ‘No, I’m trying to live to vote for Kamala Harris.’”

On Oct. 1, Carter celebrated his 100th birthday, and despite his health challenges, he was determined to vote. The former president, who had been in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, fulfilled his wish by casting an absentee ballot in the 2024 election.

The Carter Center confirmed that Jimmy Carter had successfully mailed in his ballot before Election Day. Though he passed away over a month after the election, Carter had achieved his goal of voting for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jimmy Carter’s Last Political Act

Jimmy Carter’s participation in the election, even in his final days, was a reflection of his enduring commitment to the democratic process. Despite his advanced age and health decline, Carter remained “plugged in” to current events, showing a keen interest in the political landscape.

His son, Chip Carter, explained that his father had been passionate about his vote for Harris. “I think it was important to him to see Kamala Harris run, and I know he was happy to have had the chance to vote for her,” he said.

Carter's desire to vote for Harris was not just about the election itself; it also symbolized his belief in the importance of leadership, particularly by women. Carter had long been an advocate for human rights and gender equality, which made his support for Harris -- America’s first female vice president -- especially significant.

Carter’s Legacy of Service

Throughout his presidency and in the years following his time in office, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts. He worked tirelessly on issues of global health, human rights, and peace, primarily through The Carter Center. His final wish to vote in the 2024 election served as a fitting conclusion to a life devoted to serving others.

Carter's passion for public service extended beyond his years in office, showing that even in his final moments, he continued to care deeply about the future of the nation. Chip Carter described his father as a man who had never stopped following the political and social issues of the day.

“He’s plugged in,” Chip Carter said, underscoring his father’s deep involvement in the world around him, even as he faced the challenges of old age.

A Lasting Impact

The decision to vote by absentee ballot was a poignant one, highlighting Carter’s determination to stay connected to the political process until the very end. His action served as a reminder of the importance of voting, especially for those who may not be able to visit polling places in person.

Though Carter passed away after the election, his final act was a powerful statement on the enduring importance of civic engagement. It was a moment that encapsulated the lifelong dedication of a former president who had always believed in the power of democracy.

The former president’s commitment to social justice and his advocacy for women in leadership made his vote for Kamala Harris even more meaningful. As a man who had worked his entire life to promote equality, Carter’s endorsement of Harris was not only personal but also symbolic of his broader vision for the future of the United States.

Final Reflections on Carter's Last Wish

Jimmy Carter’s final wish was not just about casting a vote -- it was a reflection of what his family said were his deep-seated values of equality, fairness, and justice. His vote for Kamala Harris was a last testament to his belief in the importance of leadership that serves the public good.

While Carter's death marked the end of an era, his legacy of service and compassion lives on. His final act of voting, which took place just days before his passing, exemplified the profound impact one individual can have on the political process.

The 2024 election will be remembered not only for its historic nature but also for the lasting significance of Carter’s final wish. By fulfilling his dream of voting for Kamala Harris, Carter left behind a final message of hope and engagement for future generations.

Conclusion: A Powerful Legacy

Jimmy Carter’s life was defined by his commitment to service, peace, and human rights. His last wish to vote for Kamala Harris serves as a poignant reminder of the power of civic engagement. Even at the age of 100, Carter remained an active participant in the political landscape, underscoring the idea that public service is a lifelong commitment.

His final act of voting was a fitting conclusion to a remarkable life, and it serves as an inspiration to many about the enduring importance of participating in the democratic process. Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his leadership, his dedication to human rights, and his unwavering belief in the power of voting to bring about change.