Taking on the responsibility of voting

Voting is important. Voting is so very important. As a girl who turned 18 on March 1, I was excited that in the next election, whether it be at the federal, state or local level, I would get to go to Lawrence Middle School with my parents, but this time get a voting ballot of my own.

When my voting registration was approved, my mom put it next to a little present. Being able to vote is an occasion to be marked and celebrated. It means being a citizen who can fully participate in this country. It is the perfect way to make your voice and suggestions heard.

I turned to my fellow seniors at Lawrence Woodmere Academy to see how they felt about being able to vote in the coming year. What do teens think about voting? Is it important to you? In answering my questions, Harrison Schwartz said, “I grew up in a very politically active family. Growing up, I would frequently watch political debates and commentary. As time passed, my own political opinions formed, and I furthered my civic engagement. For me, voting is a responsibility, and if you don’t vote, you can’t complain!”

Another LWA student, Tyler Haynes said that “voting is important; however, it also feels a bit like a scam as ultimately my vote is used as a guideline for what another group of people get to truly decide. Even if you dislike most if not all of the candidates, you should still pick the one that you align with the most!”

One must acknowledge those who want to vote but cannot find the resources to do so. It can be difficult for people to get to a polling place. The lines are long, people work, and sometimes many believe that their individual vote means nothing. But it does. Every single vote counts and can contribute to years of leadership for the United States. 

As the leaders of the future who will have to fix every problem left behind for us, it is vital that we put people in place who can help us get there. The only way to do that is to vote. Encourage people around you to vote. Help them get to polling places. In order to see the change, you wish to see in the world, you have to get out, vote, and make sure your friends do too.