Why your Vote Matters

There is no doubt that this election will be one for the books, with two highly controversial candidates and a lot of tension between and within the major political parties. But what say do Millennials have in this current election cycle? The future of the country lies in the hands of the students, employees, and even the delinquents of our generation.

So how are the students of Scituate High School voting? Are they voting? The Scituation surveyed and interviewed seniors and staff to find out what they thought about this year’s much anticipated election.

In an anonymous survey, it was found that from a group of about 30 seniors, the minority had already turned 18 (38.5%), and even a fewer number of them were registered to vote (23.1%).

A surprisingly large number of students do not want a say in the election, but morally, there was a larger division; Some chose “No, but I will because it is my civic duty, and others responded “No, so therefore I won’t be voting”.

History teacher Kristen Emerson shared her thoughts on these concerns voiced by many students. In an interview, Emerson said she “absolutely” thinks that everyone should vote, standing with the opinion that it is the duty of an American to contribute to modern democracy. “Please vote,” she said, stressing the importance.

Kelly Trayers and Natalie Meyerson, seniors at SHS, also feel that it is important to vote regardless of your views towards this election. Trayers went as far as to say, “If you choose not to vote, than you can’t complain about who the president is.” Though neither can vote, both girls take that “would if I could” stance on voting.

Many members of the SHS community express their disgust with this current election. It’s heard everyday in the hallway: Hillary said this, Trump said that. Educator and Teacher Union Leader George Haddad said, “As an older person, I am appalled at what I hear on TV.” All the bickering seems to have left a bitter taste in the mouth of the average american voter.

Voting is one of the privileges that come with the modern democracy that this nation is built upon. Issues such as the presidential election are important and have been an outlet for citizens to use their voice. Now is the time for people young and old to take a stance on these pressing issues and decide: who will be voted into office this year?