With the election fast approaching, many politicians have turned to cater to the newest generation of voters. But when it comes to new voters, young people tend to be the least likely age group to cast a ballot.
Pew Research Center found that only 15% of people aged 18-29 voted in the 2020 presidential election. This is in stark contrast to the more than 40% of people over the age of 65 who turned out to vote.
Many different reasons can be attributed to deterring young people from voting, ranging from opinions on the Electoral College and the time needed for voting to the candidate selection.
Regardless of age group, voter turnout is significantly lower in the United States than in many other first-world countries. Pew Research Center claims that out of all eligible voters, only 66.38% ended up voting in the 2020 general election.
When it comes to eligible voters in the senior class at SHS, there is a wide variety of political views.
Senior Alex Thiessen says, “I’m going to vote for Kamala Harris.”
“Having two moms, LGBTQ+ rights are huge for me. I also think that women should be the ones choosing what they want to do with their bodies when it comes to things like abortion, and that should not be up to random male politicians,” Thiessen said.
For Thiessen, there is another reason for his vote lies in a topic close to both parties. “I also like Kamala Harris’ economic plan, and I think that Trump doesn’t understand what tariffs actually do to the economy…I would like a good economy when I get out of college.”
While Thiessen is confident in who he plans to vote for, many students are still grappling with uncertainty.
Senior Lacy Danninger says, “I am undecided, but leaning toward Harris.”
Danninger has low expectations when it comes to American politics, but one thing that gives her hope is the performance of both candidates in the vice presidential debate.
“I thought the vice presidential debate was really nice, it’s hard to find that kind of stuff now,” Danninger said.
Thiessen also highlighted his approval of their debate.
“I really liked the vice presidential debate and I don’t agree with JD Vance but I do like how civil [Vance and Walz] were in the debate…I’m hoping in the future politicians can have more civil discourse and not resort to violence. You’re not going to agree with everyone but we still need to have discussions,” Thiessen said.
Other students are even less enthusiastic about the current candidates of the two parties. Anton Royko is also a senior at SHS.
“They’re both annoying and have big egos,” he said.
From climate change and health care to economic policy, media coverage of each candidate will continue to shape voter’s opinions regardless of their age group all the way up until election day.
Ms. Mullen, a government and women’s issues teacher has high hopes for student voters this year. “I think voting is very important and is one of our civic duties,” she says.
“It is also important to research each candidate and find which one aligns with your values. If you are making a conscious effort not to vote, that also sends a message.”
U.S. citizens who are 18 or older are eligible to vote and can register in person through Election Day on Nov. 5.