18-year-olds at VHS embark on adulthood– starting with voting
On Nov. 5, 2024, registered voters will receive a ballot for the 2024 Presidential Election. This means that certain upperclassmen at Ventura High School will have the opportunity to vote for the first time in their lives. VHS students who are 18 years old or older will be faced with two choices: first, to vote or opt out and second, who to vote for. Students who participate will have to choose between two main candidates: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Voters will also have the option of voting for a third party candidate.
Happening only once every four years, the Presidential Election is not something that US citizens get the opportunity to participate in often. As fresh adults, it can be a difficult decision to make, requiring research on the candidates. But all of this does reward voters with the ability to make their voices heard.
World History and American Government teacher Justin Weber said, “There will be a voter drive to get the kids registered to vote with the League of Women Voters, which is an organization that comes here in townThey come and spend a day in here and they kind of take the reins for a day, tell kids all about the process of registering to vote, if they choose to register to vote, so at least they’re able to when they turn 18.” Weber incorporates current events and news into his lesson plans, keeping students updated on what is happening in their country, as well as how the process of elections work. After obtaining this knowledge, it is up to the individual student whether or not they would like to participate in the election. Weber said, “Most people seem like if they’re eligible to vote, most of them want to.”
According to census.gov, about 51.4 percent of U.S. citizens aged 18-24 voted in the 2020 Presidential Election, with the overall percentage of citizens over 18 at 66.8 percent, a record high.
Sadie Engelhardt ‘25 said, “I’m planning to vote when it’s time. Its important to me to take advantage of that opportunity now that I’m 18.”
As the Presidential Election gets closer, the decision awaits VHS adults and their newfound responsibilities.
