By Rileigh Thomas
As 2019 winds to an end, the political intensity that 2020 is destined to bring has already spread throughout the country, not stopping short of Green Mountain’s student body. Every year, a new group of high school seniors are able to participate in state voting, and this year there is the additional excitement of a presidential election. The Vermont presidential primary election will be held on March third, 2020, and high school seniors are already preparing in a multitude of ways.
Teenagers are bombarded with a constant influx of political news through social media, radio, and television. With so much information available, they must attempt to determine legitimate sources from false information. At times, this abundance of political news can seem daunting and overwhelming, but Green Mountain’s seniors remain excited to be able to participate in voting.
What exactly is motivating this new generation of voters? For GM senior Laurel King, it’s simply that, “It’s our right as citizens to vote.” Others shared the same sentiment, explaining that this is the first time they have been able to have a legitimate influence in how our country is governed. To some, voting is not a question- Senior Olivia Bernier expressed how, “It’s our responsibility to vote for a future we believe in.” The idea of the future is also a motivator for Thatcher Laprise, who plans on entering the Air Force after high school. To do so is a tedious process, and his recruiter advised registering to vote to help with paperwork in the long run.
Green Mountain seniors offer an optimistic look into our future. They are prepared and excited to participate in voting, with a variety of motivators. All, however, understand the importance of political engagement to shape their lives.
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