For many seniors, the 2024 Presidential election will be the first time they get to vote. This milestone brings both excitement and a sense of responsibility. Seniors are reflecting on the significance of this moment, understanding that their votes will directly impact the nation.

Senior Grant Stieber elaborated, saying, “It’s an experience of freedom… it’s a first taste of what democracy is.” Voting for the first time gives young adults a new role in society by allowing them to participate in making important decisions. “[People] are voting for the individuals who will represent them,” Stieber emphasized, highlighting the importance of this decision.

While there is a lot of excitement surrounding participation in a national election, new voters also recognize the need to be informed. “You want to know what you are voting for. It’s super serious, and it’s something you can’t just do blindly,” Ella Melo stressed. “It’s good to be informed about what you’re voting on and what you have a say in,” Melo stated. There is a significant responsibility that comes with the ability to vote.

AP Government teacher Elizabeth Tompkins agreed on the importance of informed voting. “I think it’s their responsibility to be informed voters,” she said. “An uninformed voter does nothing to help public policy,” Tompkins added. She encourages her students to approach their first election thoughtfully, advising them to “read both sides of the issues” and to “explore perspectives that differ from their own beliefs.” For Tompkins, part of the privilege of voting is the duty to consider various viewpoints.

As students cast their ballots for the first time, they are learning that voting is more than just a right; it is a civic responsibility that requires careful consideration. For these young voters, the 2024 Presidential election presents an opportunity to make their voices heard and to participate in shaping the future of the U.S.