Voting for the first time in a presidential election year is a special thing to be able to do, especially in this year’s election, which seems to have been especially high stakes to the American people. Some Mount Pleasant seniors were lucky enough to turn 18 before the November 5th elections this year and were eligible to vote not only for our next president, but also for a variety of other offices ranging from state senator to governor.
Polling places, at least locally, seemed to be very encouraging and welcoming to new voters, with numerous students telling about how they got a mini round of applause when the polling staff checked their ID and announced that they were a first time voter. Mount Pleasant senior Mikey Faller said that he was very proud to be able to vote in the election this year and said “it felt like I was finally able to represent my country and my views.”
Students presented differing views on how high-stakes this election felt to them. Senior Kristen Pontani explained that she changed her plans for the day to ensure that she didn’t get caught in a line and rendered unable to vote, and said “I felt like my vote mattered so much that I had to get in there and vote like right in that moment.” Meanwhile, senior Pascal Duarte said he didn’t feel too on edge about the election, explaining that “First of all, I’m a man, so my rights aren’t really gonna be affected by this one.”
All students explained that voting was a fast and easy process and they didn’t experience any literal or figurative roadblocks, or long lines to keep them waiting. Mikey said, “I think everyone should get out there and vote if they’re able to.” And in Pascal’s words, “You can only really affect your own vote. You can’t choose what everyone else in the country votes for.” It’s important for people of all ages to vote, so we can exercise the rights of our democracy and represent each of our individual voices in our local and national governments.
