Young People Voting

By: Alyssa Cantu

On Wednesday, November 6th, midterm elections were held. Several local and national races were on the ballot including U.S. Senate and House positions. To be able to vote in the United States you have to be U.S. citizen, 18 years old, and not have a felony. Being able to vote is a right of passage when you become 18. Some high school students have their first opportunity to vote at this election.

Pyra Felix, ‘19, was one of the many seniors who did make the effort to vote. She said, “I decided to vote so my voice can be heard to make a change in society.” Felix is not the only one that shares the same beliefs. Although she is the youngest able to vote she has the opportunity to shape the world along with millennials. “I learned from voting that everyone has a voice and we should use it because it’s one of the main things you’re guaranteed living here in the United States”, she stated. Voting is a way to let your opinion to be heard and starting from a young age will help you in the long run.

Another senior that voted this midterm election was Sabrina Bianco, ‘19. “I decided to vote because it was my first time voting. I just turned 18 and I wanted to know what the experience was like” stated Bianco. Being people’s first time voting they go in blindly not knowing what to expect from it. She learned many things from the election but said, “I learned that it wasn’t difficult to vote.”   

One of the biggest arguments people face during elections is if their vote truly matters. Justin Carrasco, ‘19, believes that everyone’s vote does matter. He said, “I think my vote matters because if you don’t vote your opinion will never be heard even if your vote doesn’t win it still make an impact and I think that’s what’s important about voting.” One vote can cause a lose or a win which is a risk people should take to make their beliefs come true.  

Though people are eager to vote some people have different beliefs about voting.

Grant Peck, ‘19, said “I think my vote doesn’t matter at all because the way the electoral system works is that only people that have money can run or, people who are going to receive a lot of money. However, when you get a lot of money that means that you’re liable to that person to do what they want or they will not get their funding any more.” There are always two sides of an opinion a during an elections both can be shared out with society. Peck also said, “I learned that no one really knows what’s going on,” Implying that people should research what they are doing before their actions make a negative impact in the community.

Despite having the chance to vote for this last ballot. Anyone is able to only their voice to be heard rather it is through vote or not. Makenzie Collins, ‘19, stated “I decided not to vote because I didn’t know much about the candidates and I figured it would not be beneficial to vote without having an extensive knowledge of who I’m voting for.” Not Knowing what you’re voting for can end up causing an invalidating poll. Furthermore Collins stated, “I learned that in future elections it is necessary to do your research before you commit of giving someone your voice.”

Granted that a lot of seniors were able to vote most weren’t one being Kat Harvell, ‘19. She said, “I am so excited that I will be able to vote next election.” Additionally, she stated, “I don’t really think my vote will matter just because I feel like it’ll be overpowered by the people who don’t do their research and vote.” Researching before voting can take a decision to a whole different outcome.

When elections come around it sparks people the motivation to go out and help make a difference. Although others don’t believe in that statement everyone’s is gratinated to have their own opinion. The results of the midterm election are that Democrats win the house and the Republicans win the senate. If your 18, make sure to vote at the next ballot.

Tags: elections, midterms, redwood high school, visalia ca