In this year’s midterm elections, some students like senior Yash Shetty voted for the first time.  

“I think I’ve grown up my entire life hearing my parents discuss different propositions in primary elections or in general elections, and it’s very surreal to finally be on the other side and for my voice to count,”  Shetty said.

Shetty said while many young people think their vote won’t count, teens should vote because a large number of people can affect an election. 

“Obviously, my vote isn’t going to be the swing vote in any election,” Shetty said. “But I do think that it’s important that young people do vote, because if every person has the mindset that ‘Oh, my vote doesn’t count,’ then that accumulates and then eventually you reach a number that would have counted.”

Senior Bella Daly said she found ways to be involved in politics before being old enough to vote for the first time in this election. 

“I have a postcard writing club (Postcards for Change), so that’s one way I’ve gotten involved with politics without being able to vote,” Daly said.

Working with the nonpartisan organization Reclaim Our Vote, Daly and her club sent postcards to historically underrepresented voters with information on how and where to vote, but not who to vote for. 

While her club presents her with an opportunity to engage citizens across the country, Daly said voting this year feels particularly significant. 

“Now that I can vote, I actually feel like you have a say in who’s controlling you and the propositions, and what’ s going on around you in your city and your state,” Daly said.

Senior Morgan Greenlaw also voted for the first time this year.

Greenlaw said she encourages students to vote to meaningfully contribute to their communities. 

“Everybody should vote because you get to, and the decisions that are made are supposed to reflect the opinions of the people,” Greenlaw said. “So if you want your opinion heard, then you should voice it.”