First Time voters 2012

By: Blake Johnson '13

Throughout the history of the United States, few things have had a greater impact on the country more than a vote. Since the introduction of the voting process, the country has been shaped to what it is today.

What exactly is a vote? According to the dictionary, a vote is a formal expression of opinion or choice. So how has an opinion or choice impacted this country? A better question might be how hasn’t it?

America fought for independence from Britain for a reason. The colonists wanted a say in how things were done, and were fed up with others speaking for them, especially those who referred to themselves as a kings. To solve these problems, they made a declaration and soon after that, wrote a constitution.

In the 224 years since the document was ratified, there have been only 27 changes, or amendments, and five of those have had to do with voting. All of this accentuates how important a single vote is. Wars have been fought over them, laws written pertaining to them, and the futures of nations changed because of them.

For America, the vote is everything. It is an expression of that opinion, that choice, and that freedom that was battled for those 200 some years ago. To vote is to support the nation, and to take part in what Americans died for. To ignore this privilege, this right and this duty, is to be about as unpatriotic as one could be.

Understandably, most students in high school are not yet 18 years of age, and thus cannot vote. For the handful of those who are however, it is a responsibility that registry and voting take place. This is vastly important.

“Everyone should have a say in what path our country chooses” says Teacher John Evanson. After all, for people in the position to finally get a say at who is in charge of the nation, our president, it is an honor. “I’m quite happy, it makes me feel important” adds Mike Hammond ’13.

 The vote made by 18 year olds is worth just as much as the vote the very nominees cast themselves, and therefore can have serious effects on the future. This time, more than ever before, the decision of who to choose is solely theirs. “I’m really excited” states senior Mitch Poyer, “I will no longer be treated like a child”.

Voters, welcome to adulthood. If registry has not already been finished however, new adults will have to wait four more years to exercise this privilege, as it was due the ninth of October.

But again, to those who are prepared: Congratulations! The step that has just been taken is huge. Now a new set of choices have arisen. For example, which party to vote for, who is best for the country, and in this election specifically, what to think about student loans and jobs after college?

Of course, no one said this new responsibility was all fun and games; after all it is called a responsibility, but its importance cannot be argued.