PUPIL POLITICS

Teens take on Election Day

By Molly Hotek Design By Ananya Adur

The National Democratic and “More 18-year-olds should vote because Republican Conventions may be it could totally turn the elections. Politicians behind us, but this year’s election make policy so they get re-voted, and if is just ramping up. To many young the voters are all seniors, the policy will be people, this doesn’t mean a thing. made for them and not for young people,” In fact, only 46.1 percent of people ages Dougherty said. 18-24 voted in the 2016 election, according As for advice, she offers this tip to fellow to the National Census. This data shows that and future voters: many who are eligible to vote choose not to “Know what you’re getting into. Do do so, resulting in an underrepresentation of your research: the more you know about youth in politics. Many young people are now the process and who’s running, the more out to change this. In the meantime, veteran educated your vote will be,” Dougherty said. voters prepare to return to the polls while new American Politics rotate around two voters ready themselves for what will be their major political groups: The Democratic and inaugural voting year. Republican Parties. Navigating politics can

First time voter and senior Zoe Dougherty be a tricky concept for anyone, but students sees voting as a major opportunity for change. who participate in the Young Republicans

“There are so few young people and Young Democrats clubs here have participating in politics and it’s important decided to face this challenge head. to have my voice heard,” Dougherty said. Sophomore Luke Sequiera discovered the “My voting is impacting society because Young Democrats while looking for different it is helping change policy, locally or even clubs to participate in, but soon became very nationally.” passionate about what the club was doing.

For Dougherty, developing her unique political “We would get together about once a week identity allows her to use her voice for good, and and would learn about the current events she encourages others to do the same. from non-biased media sources. We also did things like volunteering in the community and

“Go out and support the club even went to the Women’s March,” Sequiera said. movements around Sequiera also described the debates they had with the Young Republicans club. He feels you, as there are that it is very important and beneficial for young people to get involved with politics. thousands of protests, “Teens should work together to speak up for those who can’t speak up from themselves marches, clubs, and be the change they want to see in their community and their country,” Sequiera said. political campaigns, “Teenagers are roughly 13 percent of the American population. With enough people and more that you can help out at.” supporting a cause, almost any change can be instituted. It’s important for everyone to be involved in politics because the government

Luke Sequiera 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