At Confluence Preparatory Academy, some of our seniors are eligible to vote, making them first-time voters. So, we asked the question: Why are you voting today?
We did not ask who they were voting for; it’s their choice. We wanted to know why students, as young adults, were exercising their rights as citizens to cast a vote in an election.
Here’s what we learned:
“I voted specifically because I want to see change in America, and want to see change for the better and I didn’t want Donald Trump as president.”
“I voted because my mother forced me to vote. Also, I trust Bernie Sanders, Hillary is liar and I really didn’t want Donald Trump.”
“Because I’m 18 and ready to vote. It’s a new experience.”
“We fought for our right to vote. I’m not going to waste it!”
While speaking to students to ask the question, a couple of teachers shared their thoughts:
“I voted because it’s my civic duty…and because the primaries are one of the only chances you get to vote for the candidate you actually want. In my case, the candidate I voted for won’t be on the November ballot, so yesterday was the only chance I could have at that.”
“You can’t complain if you don’t vote. Now I can complain!”