Some seniors at CHS are voting on Nov. 5, 2024 in their first presidential election. Many are excited and feel they can use their vote to impact future political development. While there are a variety of opinions on this election, many students agree that voting is important.
Senior Matty Walker feels that voting is a vital civic duty that allows the United States to progress. He believes that people should vote in all elections, including local, state and presidential.
“I definitely feel like [voting] is the most important thing we can do as a community if we want to give back [and] make a change,” Walker said.
While many feel that voting is important because it allows individuals to support their ideals, senior Sarah Wheeler feels that it shows character. Voting especially allows student bodies to show who they want to represent them.
“When it comes to voting, I think it’s super important [and] pivotal for the state of our nation,” Wheeler said. “I think the action of voting really speaks to who we are as a nation.”
Other students feel that voting makes or breaks an election. The 2020 presidential election was a close race, and some expect the upcoming events to be similar.
“Especially in this election, it’s so close, and not voting doesn’t help at all,” senior Josie Mitchell said. “My [vote] might not count for a [lot], but it’s gonna count at least a little bit.”
This election season, human rights are up for debate in a different way than in past elections. With firearm ownership and reproductive rights on the line, students like Wheeler will use their vote to support candidates and policies that reflect their personal beliefs.
“I’m [going to vote] for personal rights and things that I care about for myself and for the people that I love,” Wheeler said.
As a democracy, America encourages citizens to use their perspectives on current issues to guide them in the direction of a specific candidate or legislation. Like Wheeler, Walker will vote for those that advocate for the reform he wishes to see.
“We have problems in our country that need to be fixed,” Walker said. “I have morals that I strongly believe can benefit our country.”
While students have differing backgrounds and views, many share an awareness of the political state of America. Wheeler believes that certain academic resources like speech and debate have helped her to be more conscious of current events.
“I worked on Congress member Mike Levin’s campaign, phone banking and canvassing,” Wheeler said. “And [because] I do speech and debate, I have to be aware [of] what’s happening in the world.”
As students become more educated about political subjects, their opinions and stances become more solidified and impactful to the election. With many issues relevant to younger demographics up for debate, Wheeler has observed that both adult and student voters are especially divided over who to vote for.
“I would say the polarization between the two parties [has] gotten so much worse over the past four years,” Wheeler said. “The [campaign] has just been interesting, seeing how people view things and if they’re loyal to one party or candidate.”
