By McKenna Beery
Theme Editor
Being 18 means more than being able to sign yourself out at the attendance office; for some Costa students, it is the beginning of their voting career.
Although many students at Costa may only be aware of a few political causes, this involvement is important because it paves toward greater political participation.
“If an election blends a student’s awareness of popular culture with their perception of the world, there is a greater chance for youth involvement,” Costa Government teacher William Fauver said. “If a major issue is close to home, and easily understood by a student, there is a greater chance for student participation in the issue.”
Some Costa students learn more about politics by taking part in programs like Youth and Government. The members are delegates who learn to perform the same duties as real legislators. Students act out roles in the California government, such as lobbyists, legislative analysts, and senators.
“I joined Youth and Government because I like the idea of being able to express my opinions and be respected for doing so,” senior member Natalie Rice said.
Anyone can join Youth and Government through the YMCA, but some schools offer it as a class. There are also Youth and Government programs nationwide; it is not just limited to California.
“When I first joined there were around 50 people in my delegation in Westchester, but now there are 70, and I have really been able to see us all grow,” senior member Talia McLaughlin said. “Overall, it’s a really great opportunity to meet other people from all over the state who are passionate about making themselves heard, who are able to form opinions on topics, and who are willing to work hard yet still have fun. It also gives us the opportunity to see how our own state government works; we even get to use the same state assembly and senate chambers as actual legislators.”
Other Costa students get involved in politics by volunteering in local political campaigns. Many Mira Costa students took part in helping Manhattan Beach City Council member Amy Howorth with her campaign for State Senate. Students are able to attend campaign meetings and introduce themselves to important lawmakers.
“Last year, I worked with Amy on her campaign for state senate, and now I am helping her with her re-election campaign for the Manhattan Beach City Council,” junior Nash Hale said. “It’s a great experience because you get to experience local politics and get a feel for what the political world is really like. With Amy, I have done phone banking and door-to-door canvassing in local areas for her campaign.”
Students that are eligible to vote will be able to participate in upcoming elections that take place on Tuesday. In Manhattan Beach, City Council election will take place, while in Hermosa Beach residents will vote on Measure O, the E&B oil drilling project.
“It is really important to vote because there are usually low turnouts in the March elections, so just a few people can influence the outcome of the election,” Howorth said. “The students who are 18 at Costa can absolutely have an effect on a campaign, and I would love to see them vote.”
Students can register at age 17 as long as they are 18 by election day. Students wishing to register should go to registertovote.ca.gov and register before Tuesday.
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