Now more than ever, it is crucial for young people to exercise their right to vote.
From 1972 to 2016, the proportion of youth ages 18 to 24 who reported voting in presidential elections decreased from 50 to 39 percent. With our country experiencing political turmoil, it is important that every voice is heard so the appropriate decisions can be made by the people who are voted as the best fit to run our country. For better representation of the youth in our country, all teens of voting age need to get to the polls.
In our school, 10 students are of the eligible age to participate in the presidential election this November. Of the 10, eight are registered and the remaining two said they plan to register. The deadline to register to vote is October 13 in Kansas, and you can do so online.
The eligible students said it is important to vote for multiple reasons:
• To have good leadership
• To help invoke change
• To help get the candidate that will best benefit our country into office
• To be included and express your voice and opinions
Not only is it important to vote, it is just as important who you vote for. It is always a good idea to take time to educate yourself before voting in order to understand what each candidate represents as well as how those beliefs align with your own. Research information from a variety of sources. Look into issues that are important to you and find candidates that will represent your views on those issues. Make sure you know who will be on the ballot, and pay attention to all elections, not just the presidential election.
Voters in Wabaunsee County aren’t just weighing in on the presidential election. They also get to vote for senate and house representatives, state offices, local offices, retaining judges and the proposed USD 329 bond.
If you are not old enough to vote, a situation that sadly afflicts the majority of WHS students, there are still many ways to be involved. It is never too soon to spend time educating yourself and participating in discussions pertaining to the election. You can also volunteer for candidates or donate to campaigns. Encourage the people in your life to vote and discuss the issues that matter most to you.
The Charger plans to cover several aspects of the election over the next few weeks, so if you have strong opinions on the state of our democracy, feel free to share at whscharger@gmail.com.
The editorial is the opinion of the Charger staff. Send letters to the editor to whscharger@gmail.com.
The Charger 
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