Unless you live under a rock, you know that the midterm elections are pretty important this year. And you know who’s turning out at the polls? Young people.
A group of Centennial High schoolers led by two students, Camryn McClard and Sophie Brown, (yay female empowerment!) organized an event for early voting during school hours. On October 31st and November 1st, bus loads of students were driven to the Leonhard Rec. Center to cast their ballot, some for the first time.
The young voters were also accompanied by students not quite old enough to cast a vote, but eager to see the process. Among them was 17-year-old Emma Glezer who spent her summer working on the JB Pritzker campaign, even though she’s just shy of voting age.
Organizers, McClard and Brown, said it was important to them both to provide busy students with a time and space where they could easily vote.
“They’re voting on people that will affect their lives,” McClard said. “They should look at their morals and values and elect people into office that agree with them. You have to vote if you want anything to change.”
Their social justice teacher, Lindsay Aikman was moved to tears with pride. She said although many people will say that the younger generation is disengaged, that’s not what she sees at all. She sees a classroom full of students who are aware, engaged, and committed.
“Keep expecting good things from young people and kids in this community because they are much more involved than we realize.”
Long story short — if the kids can do it, so can you. Don’t make excuses. Go vote.