One of the most significant privileges any US citizen receives once they turn 18 is voting in local and national elections. New voters can find ways to register to vote online, by mail, or at their local election office just by entering a small bit of information.
Beginning tomorrow and running through the end of the week, NASH will host a voter registration drive for eligible seniors. During all lunches, a registration table will be available in the cafeteria.
But many NASH seniors have already registered to vote in their first election.
“I am registered to vote. It was one of the first things I wanted to do at age 18,” NASH senior Emma Neff said. “I think it’s really important in our country to get your voice heard. There are so many things that we as teenagers cannot do yet to influence society, but voting really can. Even with the system of the electoral college, which I feel sort of diminishes the voice of the people, one vote is something that definitely could have major impacts.”
Here in Pennsylvania, the deadline to register to vote by mail, online, or in person is October 21st, 15 days before the presidential election on November 5th.
According to USA Today, over 150,000 people registered to vote on National Voter Registration Day on September 17th, with youth votes making up 81% of those registrations.
Dylan Rivet, a senior, registered just days after she turned 18.
“I registered to vote a little under a week ago,” she said. “I registered because I think being able to take the opportunity of making a difference in something, such as politics, can make one feel accomplished.”
For senior Chris Petraglia, voting is more than a right.
“I think it’s important to vote because some people in other countries don’t have the same ability to have their voices heard,” Petraglia said. “I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity that I have in this country.”
Abby Clouse, a senior, has an early birthday and got ahead of the game by registering.
“I turned 18 back in March, so I am registered to vote,” Clouse said. “I think it is important to vote as a teenager because it brings a different perspective and more diversity to the table of voters.”
Pennsylvania is arguably the most important swing state in this year’s presidential election, so the youth vote has the opportunity to put their voices out and see a country they hope to continue a future in.
“I love our country, I am very patriotic and proud of it,” senior Gavin Slade. “I think it is important because it’s how you represent yourself in the big world we live in.”
The desire to make her voice heard is motivating senior Sharayu Bolisetti to vote next month.
“I am registered to vote because I think it’s important to be able to vote for someone who will represent your values and concerns for our country,” she said. “I think it’s important to vote because it does more harm than good not to. By voting, people are able to better ensure their voices are being heard and enacted through their supporting representatives.”
If you are reading this and have had or will have an 18th birthday before October 21st, please register to vote. It takes less than two minutes online at vote.org, or visit the registration table in the cafeteria tomorrow, Thursday, or Friday.
