Election Day is four weeks away – Tuesday, November 8, 2016. The day will be important for every registered voter, including 10 new registered voters from Confluence Preparatory Academy.
On October 12, a group of seniors walked to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners to register to vote for the first time. The Board of Election office is only a few blocks from school, making it easy to help the students take part in their civic duty as adult citizens. Jennifer Luker, who teaches government, coordinated the effort.
What does it mean to be a first-time registered voter? The sentiment among the students was clear – voting is important.
“We get a say so. We get to express our feelings on who should be the president,” said Deja Deal.
“If you feel that someone shouldn’t be president, or if you’re uncomfortable with a person, you should vote. You can’t talk about it and not do anything,” said Amari King.
How are they learning about the candidates running for office? Classroom discussions, research for class projects, watching the news and more.
Jerry Boyd said he’s been studying the candidates on his own and watching the debates. The mention of the last presidential debate raised a lot of chatter. It wasn’t hard to tell that they’re ready to take their opportunity to vote seriously.
“If you don’t vote, you’re still helping someone,” said Marcus Robinson.
“Some people don’t want to get involved, but I think everybody should vote. It’ll be a big change either way it goes,” said Charnay Pickett.
Sam Thompson appreciated the chance to register to vote with help from school. “I think it will make a difference if every school did something like this – to help us register. It’ll make a difference to us as young adults.”