This year’s upcoming election has been one that will go down in history. Our two candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are doing their best to prove their spot as the most ideal candidate for America. Many Americans assume their vote won’t matter in the grand scheme of things, however it only takes one vote to change everything. In the year 2000, Al Gore lost the election to George W. Bush but only by a small margin. Bush won the election by only 0.009 percent in the state of Florida, only 600 votes off from Gore winning. This puts into perspective how easy it would have been to elect a different candidate.
As a high school student, it can be difficult to get involved if you’re under the legal voting age of 18. However, it is always possible to encourage your peers, family members, and friends who are of age to vote. Local freshman student Milyah Allen explained her thoughts on what someone underage can do to help get involved. “They can tell a person that is 18 and older their ideas and what they think,” Going out and voting is only half the battle though, you must be educated on who and what you’re voting for. Read up on local and national, unbiased news websites. Do research on each candidate to figure out where you stand. Many campaigns offer opportunities for ages 16 and up to help volunteer at election tents, rallies, and go door to door campaigning. Your voice matters even if you can’t vote!!
“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.”
– Sharon Saltzberg
Although a lack of voting may not affect you personally, there are so many families that are affected. Not everyone is given the opportunity to vote. Liberty High school freshman Nylah Spann spoke on why it might be important to vote,“It helps determine our future,” Every new election that takes place changes the lives of everyone, some more intensely than others.Someone who isn’t a legal American citizen, people under the age of 18, or convicted felons do not have the right to vote. Living in America and having the right to vote is a privilege and no matter what your stance is, it is so important to exercise your right to voice your opinion and make change.