Teens say their vote won’t matter, so why vote? But votes matter to those who can’t. Is it truly they don’t think their vote matters, or do they not have the education to make a decision they are confident in?
Like most elections in the United States, this presidential election has had a lot of controversy. Because we live in a blue state and red county, people think that they can’t do much with their votes here. So in that sense you can say your vote won’t change anything, and you may be right. But we also have local elections, and that’s where your votes matter.
In a typical senior high school class, only about a quarter of the students will be able to vote in these upcoming elections, leaving the rest of the student body not able to vote in a presidential election for the next four years. It can be very frustrating to those who can’t vote when their friends who are of age say they don’t plan on casting their ballot. “I don’t feel good about not being able to vote, something you always think about when you turn 18, but I have to wait four years,” senior Mason Jaegle said.
Teens often tend to follow their parents on their political views. But sometimes others will argue on political stances and need to take the time to research and understand how to form their own opinion.
Students are wary about making the wrong decision. “I am very worried, even though I know my vote might not affect much in this world,” senior Ella Schmitz said. Others feel very carefree and just casting a vote because they can. “I feel great, feel like I’m growing up,” senior Lakyn Ruhland said. On the other hand, a lot of teens who can vote didn’t register.
