It’s an inspiring time to be young, able to vote
November 10, 2008
By Nate Balkman
Over the past few months, I noticed the buzz of political debate had grown to somewhat of a dull roar at Issaquah High School. I believe parents, teachers and students will agree that never before has the generation of high school students taken such an interest in the political process.
Nearly every student, despite most being unable to vote, seemed to have a strong opinion for or against each candidate and issue. Bumper stickers adorned not only cars but were slapped on walls, windows and poles throughout school. A student’s side in the battle for president was determined by his or her clothing: “Barack My World” T-shirts have become the must-have item of the season and their enemies bore their war cry, “Voldermort Can’t Stop McCain.”
One could tell tensions were high when he or she could walk into a classroom to find student and teacher yelling in a heated debate of who won the debate last night.
In an effort to give students a more constructive method of expressing political views, the U.S. government and ASB classes held a mock election. Polling booths were set up, where students could vote for president, vice president, governor and ballot initiatives. A large majority of the student body participated.
It seems the younger generation of Americans is becoming the target group for political campaigns. Myspace and Facebook have been dominated by million-dollar ad campaigns encouraging people to “Rock the Vote” for the past six months. Even Obama’s campaign, in a way, targeted young Americans, telling them their vote could make a difference.
More young voters showed interest and exercised their right to vote in the latest election than in previous years. Our community and nation should be inspired by this surge of energy. Our government is based on being of the people, for the people and by the people, and requires we stay active in the political process.
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