Pupil Politics Teens take on Election Day By Molly Hotek Design By Ananya Adur
T
he National Democratic and Republican Conventions may be behind us, but this year’s election is just ramping up. To many young people, this doesn’t mean a thing. In fact, only 46.1 percent of people ages 18-24 voted in the 2016 election, according to the National Census. This data shows that many who are eligible to vote choose not to do so, resulting in an underrepresentation of youth in politics. Many young people are now out to change this. In the meantime, veteran voters prepare to return to the polls while new voters ready themselves for what will be their inaugural voting year. First time voter and senior Zoe Dougherty sees voting as a major opportunity for change. “There are so few young people participating in politics and it’s important to have my voice heard,” Dougherty said. “My voting is impacting society because it is helping change policy, locally or even nationally.” For Dougherty, developing her unique political identity allows her to use her voice for good, and she encourages others to do the same.
“Go out and support movements around you, as there are thousands of protests, marches, clubs, political campaigns, and more that you can help out at.” Luke Sequiera
“More 18-year-olds should vote because it could totally turn the elections. Politicians make policy so they get re-voted, and if the voters are all seniors, the policy will be made for them and not for young people,” Dougherty said. As for advice, she offers this tip to fellow and future voters: “Know what you’re getting into. Do your research: the more you know about the process and who’s running, the more educated your vote will be,” Dougherty said. American Politics rotate around two major political groups: The Democratic and Republican Parties. Navigating politics can be a tricky concept for anyone, but students who participate in the Young Republicans and Young Democrats clubs here have decided to face this challenge head. Sophomore Luke Sequiera discovered the Young Democrats while looking for different clubs to participate in, but soon became very passionate about what the club was doing. “We would get together about once a week and would learn about the current events from non-biased media sources. We also did things like volunteering in the community and the club even went to the Women’s March,” Sequiera said. Sequiera also described the debates they had with the Young Republicans club. He feels that it is very important and beneficial for young people to get involved with politics. “Teens should work together to speak up for those who can’t speak up from themselves and be the change they want to see in their community and their country,” Sequiera said. “Teenagers are roughly 13 percent of the American population. With enough people supporting a cause, almost any change can be instituted. It’s important for everyone to be involved in politics because the government and the representatives that are voted in affect almost every aspect of our lives in some way.”
“It’s important to develop my own political identity so I can use my voice for good.” Zoe Dougherty
“Everyone needs to be active and make sure they fight for their beliefs and for a better democracy.” Luke Sequiera
VOTE 07
