This year’s presidential election has taken the world by storm and has caught more attention from the public than any other.
Most importantly to the student body at WCHS, more young people are getting involved in this year’s election, especially 18 year olds who are registered to vote. The involvement of young people civically is crucial to the development of the country. It’s especially important that these people take advantage of their right as a citizen of the United States to go vote.
Whether someone is a republican, democrat, or independent, he or she should take part in the presidential election. There are many activities he or she can do such as volunteering for a campaign or simply educating himself/herself on the candidates running.
This year the currently running candidates of the Republican Party, commonly referred to as the GOP (Grand Old Party), are businessman and leader of the polls Donald Trump, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and Ohio Governor John Kasich.
For the Democratic Party, the running candidates are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
When asked why he thought this election caught more attention than others, registered 18 year old voter Seth Kerby said, “There are big names on both sides that are for opposite causes.”
As young adults, high school students don’t realize the impact they can have on the decisions their government makes. The amount of participation will affect the election greatly. Politicians care about the young vote because they realize that they are the future of the country.
Today, someone who uses social media can find thousands of memes, jokes, and tweets about currently running candidates. Most are filled with very strong opinionated statements that clearly show the views of the individual. This is the beauty of the first amendment (freedom of speech).
“Well I think that some kids don’t really know what they are talking about. I believe that if you have something to say about the presidential election you should educate yourself before you jump to a conclusion,” said sophomore Cami Winnell after being asked if she thought it was a good thing that students post their opinions of the presidential election on social media.
There are many programs available to WCHS where a student can get involved such as Youth in Government through YLA and Boys/Girls State. Ms. Gilchrist’s civics classes are also given the opportunity to register to vote.
WCHS students are encouraged to grab ahold of these opportunities and take advantage of them.