The National Social Studies Honor Society, in collaboration with HOPE Club, hosted voter registration drives on Sept. 27 and Oct. 11. Volunteers dedicated their lunches to help seniors register to vote for the upcoming election, either via hard copy registration forms or a QR code directing them to register online.
Junior Linda Nichvoloda proposed the idea after learning that the United States has a presidential election this year.
In the US, citizens have the unique right to vote in local and national elections. “The idea of the Voter Registration Drive emerged from my realization that we, the people, make the difference in this country,” Linda said, emphasizing the importance of a “representative democracy.”
“[Students] can register to vote and become part of the process and become civic leaders by voting in the election,” HOPE Club Advisor Mrs. Paulson said.
Student votership turnout is historically smaller compared to older populations, especially due to lack of information regarding candidates, polling sites, voting process, and so on. These drives aim to prepare student voters for Election Day on Nov. 5.
“Civic engagement among students is crucial, because we are the future leaders of this country. Voting makes us think about the important issues, like reproductive rights, affordable healthcare, gun policy, [and] immigration,” Linda said.
However, in the context of the national election, Mrs. Paulson emphasized the importance of voting in our own communities, as well. “We have the privilege of voting in the United States, of being part of this process of choosing our leaders, both nationally, but also really locally.”
She noted that research on candidates, whether on a national or local scale, is a crucial step for all voters. “We need to be aware not only of what’s at the top of our ballot, but all the way through and down to the bottom of our ballots,” Mrs. Paulson said, suggesting students to ask candidates questions and visit unbiased sites for information.
“Always ask them specifically what their views are,” she said. “Ask them what’s important to you.”