2024 is an election year, and on Election Day, some students are now able to voice their opinions with their ballots. The importance of voting is often overlooked, especially by the younger demographic.
This could be because younger people are not taught the true meaning of voting and how important it is to participate. The ballot not only contains the presidential candidates, but local candidates, propositions and local issues. The responsibility of casting your vote and getting your opinions heard is incredibly important.
Even for those who are unable to vote, it is important to know the issues that are at stake and being voted upon. Knowing these things can help the future voting process become easier since there is already prior knowledge on the terminology and way the ballot is laid out.
Elections and politics have always been an incredibly important, but often controversial subject. It is obvious that there is a clear separation between the two parties, Republican and Democrat, in which believers of either side feel negatively about the other. This is called Affective Polarization, and this has steadily been increasing since the 1970’s. At the voting booth, some Americans now just focus on the party label rather than the issues that are being supported or denied. On the ballot will be Republican candidate President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance and Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, as well as Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver and Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
Harvard University recently did a study, and the conclusion was that younger Americans have shown less interest in voting in the 2024 election than the 2020 election. 2020 was a record setting year for the amount of youth voter turnout. This may seem like a minor problem to some, but this is a true issue.
Kimberly Eastlund, Social Studies teacher, believes that a high school student who is able to vote should take the opportunity to.
“I think the best thing that we could do to increase young voter turnout is to really impress upon young people the importance of having their voice heard. It is really the one direct powerful way we can shape the decision makers,” Eastlund said. “And I often feel, especially young people, like to chart their own course in life. They don’t like other people to tell them what to do. So when you don’t vote, you’re actually letting other people decide who’s going to make the decisions in government. And I always encourage people that they should speak up and be a part of that.”
The concept of voting can be an intimidating process, especially for new voters. There are many different people running for different things, as well as issues that require thorough research and thought.
“I think to be a voter today takes a lot of work. There is a lot of information out there, and usually it requires people to use multiple sources of media to make sure that the information they have is accurate and representative of the government’s actions, the candidates, platforms, et cetera,” Eastlund said. “And so you have to work at it. Being a citizen takes work, and so you have to roll up your sleeves, and get to the bottom of it.”
There are many things that are being voted on and decided this year, such as Amendment Two and Amendment Three. Many signs and campain propaganda are visible throughout the area. But what do those signs mean?
Amendment Two address legalizing sports gambling, with a ten percent wagering tax going towards education. This means that if the law is passed, sports gambling will become legal in Missouri and ten percent of each bet will go towards the education system. Voting yes on Amendment Two means that sports betting becomes legal, and voting no keeps it banned.
Amendment Three is centered around Missouri’s abortion law. The amendment contains talk about reproductive healthcare, legalizing abortion access and contraceptives. Abortion is currently illegal in Missouri, but voting yes on this amendment would change that and allow abortion before ‘fetal viability’ or if it is destructive to the health of the carrier. Voting no on this would keep the current abortion ban in place.
Another proposition that is important is Proposition A, which address minimum wage. Currently the minimum wage in Missouri is $12.30 per hour. If this amendment is passed, minimum wage will increase by $1.25 per hour until 2026.
These are not the only things being voted on today; there are many other propositions and government officials on the ballot, ranging from judicial elections to municipal elections.
If you are able to use your voice and the right you have to vote today, do so. Every single vote counts, and this is one of the easiest ways to exercise your duties as a citizen of the United States. Go vote.
