Clare DuMont
Editor-In-Chief
Seven months ago, I watched as hundreds of my fellow students walked out on March 14 in protest of the increasing gun violence and mass shootings, directly in response to the Feb. 14 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I was amazed and proud to be part of a community on campus that was so eager to take
action and show that they were willing to make a difference, even if it was just on our small campus.
While the walkout and protest were meaningful and powerful, the real way to make a difference is to to vote in the midterm elections on Nov. 6. In order to have a representative election, a large voter turn- out, especially for young people voting for the first time, is imperative. In 2016, one of the most politically divisive elections in our lifetime, there was only a 50% voter turnout for eligible voters ages 18 to 29 and the 2014 midterms only had 19%.
On almost a daily basis, I witness my fellow students discuss recent political events as they shake their heads in horror over the recent climate of the White House and the country as a whole. Voter turnout is important for all political parties in order to make a difference and contribute to the political system of the country.
After the Parkland shooting in February, I was blown away by the power of the student survivors and their ability to speak out and hold those in power in Congress and the National Rifle Association accountable for their actions. I was also met with con- cern and anger about the criticism from opposing groups toward the teenagers, citing the stereotype that all teenagers are lazy and careless about the affairs of politics. I urge my fellow students to register to vote and show up to the polls to ensure a high turnout for the midterm elections on Nov. 6. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and you still have time to register to vote at www.votesaveamerica.com before the deadline on Oct. 22.
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