SHS Seniors Make Big Turnout in 2020 Election

This year’s election put pressure on young people to use their vote wisely. With the strong divide between the Republican and Democratic parties, every citizen was watching closely as votes were being counted, hoping the younger generation would pull through for their party. With the record-breaking voter turnout for this election, young voters made their mark and showed up at the polls on November 3rd.

For high school students, voting is an exciting and important new freedom. SHS senior Evan Esker played it safe and mailed in his vote early to ensure it would be counted. He strongly believes every citizen has a duty to vote, stating, “Everyone, especially kids my age, should take advantage of their given right and vote.” In addition, Esker said he found it “engaging and interesting to do research about different candidates and questions.” 

Sarah Siciliano, a senior who turned 18 in September, commented, “Something about being a young adult taking part in democracy for the first time is very exciting and rewarding.” Siciliano plans to continue using her voice during upcoming elections and urges others to do the same. 

Senior Meaghan Davidson made the decision to vote on Election Day to get the full voter experience. When asked what it was like for her, Davidson said, “I thought it was going to be a lot more exciting, but you’re in and out quicker than you expect.” She also mentioned that “there was a lot of tension with this election, and you could feel it when you walked in.” Davidson also felt there was more urgency to vote in this election than in the past, saying, “With the country being divided, it feels like there is a lot more pressure to use your voice.” 

Sammie Johnson and Caroline Railton, both seniors who turned 18 this fall, mentioned that the influence to vote in this year’s election was much more relevant, because, according to Johnson, “A lot of the people in this country have not been satisfied with the decisions that have been made by people in power.” She also believes the election was “really important to notice what the country’s needs are.” Railton voted in this election, stating, “It was my responsibility as a U.S. citizen to vote.” Railton believed the election put more pressure on the importance of voting, commenting, “We had two very different candidates, and there were a lot of opinions surrounding this election.”

There is nothing more empowering than having the freedom to use your voice. SHS’s class of 2021 is known for being extremely politically active, and during the presidential election, many were able to use their voices in an even more empowering way.