On November 5, it will be a first for several Highlands High School seniors. With the election fastly approaching, voters have been getting informed and are ready to make their voice heard. This is a continuation of democracy each year.
“It’s important to vote because not everybody has had the right to vote in American history … Because not everyone has had the right to vote, a lot of people fought very hard for that right.” articulated by Kym Grillot, Highlands High School government teacher and ongoing voter.
To vote means to have a voice. With the responsibility of making this decision, comes a mixture of eagerness and nerves for our new voters.
“First time, I’m excited. I’m glad that I can finally do it. I’ve been thinking about it for the last few years, so I’m glad I can finally go and put my opinion out there,” said first-time voter,
Tabitha Tobergte (12).
With excitement shown by some, others are feeling more nervous about this new opportunity.
“It feels good to vote for the first time but also weird,” explained first-time voter, Anne Bauer (12).
These first time voters have been staying informed and researching everything they need to know to see which candidate is the best choice for them.
“I did my research on the candidates, went on their websites, looked at their policies, and kind of found out who they were as a candidate.” said first-time voter Gavin Gwisdalla (12).
There are many ways to keep informed throughout the election. Highlands government teachers work to prepare seniors to vote through government classes and having important information readily available.
Megan Boimann-Hennies, Highlands High School government teacher said, “I know in all varieties of government classes, we’ve talked about how to register to vote. We’ve talked about resources and where to go to find information about the candidates. In all government levels, we’ve had discussions about the debates.”
Teachers and students alike have been getting informed on the election. Students do their personal research and teachers discuss and open conversations on the election to aid students in understanding what they are researching.
“We’re going to go over the ballot in class and answer any questions anonymously too. So yeah, Highlands has been really helpful.” said Tobergte
While current seniors are learning about the ballot, we can see the change in them over the years. The election process has improved and Kentucky is one of the states that does it best.
“Kentucky is paper voting, a different type. So, technology, no, I have not seen a huge change. But from what I have seen, it’s easier to register.” said Grillot.
While the actual ballot has not changed much, making it easier to comprehend, staying informed can be tricky because there are so many different forms of information out there. There are so many opinions. And with the internet, spreading false information is easier than it has ever been.
“I do think it’s more challenging, though, because I think it’s easier to fall for misinformation or things that aren’t true because there’s just so much stuff that’s put on the internet.” Boimann-Hennies explained.
As new voters begin to prepare themselves to vote, they receive pressure from parents or peers. Not just pressure to register but pressure on who to vote for.
“Kids these days go for what party the parents are for and so they don’t really have their own opinion.” said Bauer.
The entire voting experience can feel overwhelming when voting for the first time. Even with the worry, new voters are already feeling better about it.
“It was a lot smoother than I thought it would be. I thought it was gonna be a little nerve racking, but it just felt smooth. I was prepared.” said Gwisdalla.
With the pressure and uncertainty of being a new voter, some may believe their vote doesn’t matter. This happens especially when a voter is not registered in a swing state. This, however, is not true.
“I think people get the impression that well, I lost so my vote didn’t matter. Yes, it did right, it mattered because you got out and you expressed yourself. Voting is your expression and so I never want anyone to think that their votes’ worthless.” said Grillot.
Everyone’s vote matters and it’s important to keep voting. It is daunting, but really it is exciting. Our seniors are now able to have a say in our government.
