With the 2024 elections coming to a close, everyone across the country is discussing the election results, and what could be possible for the future.
However, no one really talks about what the voting experience is like. Yes, most adults know how to vote, and have gone through the process numerous times… but what about young adults?
When you reach 18 years of age, it can be quite exciting, but also nerve-racking. Since you’re a legal adult when you’re 18, you have to carry a lot more responsibilities, including voting. But even though it’s a little scary at first, it feels worthwhile once you finally finish filling in the ballot. “It was cool. I felt like I did something to help the country,” says Parker Moss, who is one of the seniors that voted. Another student that was excited by their first time voting was Kader Moudden.
However, some people were more on edge when voting for the first time, like Victoria Menard. “It was new and strange. I felt a little bit nervous, because you’re basically voting for who is going to be president and deciding what to do for the country”, Menard exclaimed. Even though she was a little scared, having her dad be there with her helped her feel more at ease.
These students also shared some important advice that they have for younger teens who want to vote in the future. “Do your research on each candidate you can vote for,” Moudden claimed. All the seniors believe that researching the potential candidates is a crucial part of voting. “We’re still young, so not a lot of us do our research. We get our information through the media”, Menard said. Menard believes that people should do their own research before making a decision on a candidate. “Don’t let anybody influence you, if you think that [candidate] is who you want to vote for, then vote for them”, she continued. “Don’t listen to fake propaganda news, actually look up the facts before you give your opinions about something.”
The voting process can be a confusing thing, but as long as you do your research and vote for what you believe will be best in the country, that’s all that matters.
