Voting took place this month across the nation on Nov. 2 in schools like Columbus Adult School with the City Council Member, the Governor, the Senator, and several proposition listed on the ballot . Among the adult voters were DHS students voicing their opinions.
“I think it’s important to vote,” first time voter Lindsay Mendoza said. “I want my opinion heard.”
Unfortunately not everyone who wanted to vote could have. Junior State of America President Andrea Lomeli is not yet old enough to vote. Teens like her may not be able to vote, but she still has an opinion and their voice can still make an impact.
“I wanted to vote, but couldn’t. I didn’t just know about the elections, I was actually part of them,” Lomeli said. “I volunteered with Fernando Vasquez, the winner of the Northeast Downey City Council election.”
Staff members such as Government teacher Mr. Nevarez encourages their students to go to the polls and vote when they come of age.
“When it’s one of my students 18 birthday I call them over to my desk and give them a voter registration form,” Nevarez said. “I encourage my students to vote when they come of age. I want them to realize what they say actually matters.”
Staff members around campus were vocal about the results of the election, having discussions, opinions, and even debates with their students.
“I’m just glad Meg Whitman didn’t win. She spent $160 million dollars on the governor election. There are so many things in California that that money could’ve been more beneficial for, like the school system,” Mr. Guthrie, ROP Law Enforcement teacher, said. “Instead it went to someone standing in front of a podium and asking people to vote for her.”
Teachers weren’t the only ones who were vocal about the election result, students were ready and eager to share their voice about the elections as well.
“I’m happy Barbara Boxer won the Senator seat, but that’s about it,” Leslie Otanez, 12, said. “I guess we’ll just have to see how the election affects California and the United States as a whole.”
The election brought out the patriotism in teachers and students alike. This proves that you can never to be too young to be interested and take an active role in the government.