From the 2020 presidential election, youth voter registration in New York has decreased by five percent but what is the youth perspective of voting today like in BCCHS?
Despite the decrease, Baruch students have expressed their opinions on the importance of being a youth voter.
Paige Klapper, a junior, discusses her reasoning for the importance of voting. “I think we have control over our future. If we’re not making decisions about things that the government should or should not prioritize, it’s going to inevitably affect us in the future.”
Nawira Maqsood, a junior, followed up on what Klapper had to say. “And I think it’s important for us to have a say in what people we are putting in power.”
Addison Cintron, a sophomore, shared her views on voting. “I wanna vote when I’m 18 because I want to say in who gets to dictate our country. So I think it’s important that I get a decision and I think it’s important for everyone who reaches the age of 18 to vote because if you have the ability to vote for someone at that time I think you should.”
Mikko Kan-Adams, a senior, provided her own reason for voting. “I think citizens should have a voice in what they’re saying and I feel like if you’re going to vote, then you shouldn’t have a say in like what’s going on. I feel like everyone should vote when they have that chance because if they don’t vote and the other person gets elected then what are you gonna do?”
With the election happening this year, some students are glad the weight is off their shoulders.
“I’m happy because I feel like there are some disadvantages in both parties,” Kan-Adams said.
Cintron explains her relief about the 2024 election.
“I am kind of glad because it’s kind of complicated this year. It’s kind of complicated on both sides and I think everything has been kind of crazy with what’s been happening recently. So it is kind of a way off my shoulders that I don’t have to make such a big decision right now,” said Cintron.
Cintron also finds it unfair to not be able to vote this year.
“I think it’s unfair because I would like to have an opinion and I obviously do have an opinion…and also like, I’m still young so it’s still kind of hard, but it is kind of unfortunate because, I would love to have the opportunity to have a say,” Cintron said.
Out of 75 students surveyed, only 9.3% of those students are pre-registered to vote. High school voter registration week starts on September 23, 2024 and ends on September 27, 2024.
Where can you get registered as a voter in high school?
- Online
There are youth voter movements where you can register to vote online by filling out a form. However, you can also register to vote on the College Board website.
- Register when getting ID
If you are planning on getting your federal ID anytime soon and are at least 16 years old, on the forms you need to fill out for the DMV will be a section titled “New York State Voter Registration Application.” In that section you will fill out your information and give it to the DMV on the day you get your ID.
- New York State Website
The New York State website has a section in their website where you can pre-register to vote. You will need either your driver license/permit or a non driver ID, your social security number, and zip code.
This story was originally published on 411 Press on September 23, 2024.
