Turning eighteen comes with many privileges. By then you have your license, you’re a legal adult, and you have the opportunity to vote. For those who have turned eighteen before election day, this is a new experience that comes with joy and conflict. The pressure of what side to vote on can be overbearing with family opinions and the media flooding our minds with propaganda it can be hard to feel confident in our choice.
In an interview with The Independent Florida Alligator, Allison Minery, the communications director for People Power for Florida, said “it’s so important that young people know that their vote is their voice, and if it didn’t matter, they wouldn’t be trying so hard to suppress it.” According to the article,among Gen Z voters (ages 18 to 27), only 52% align with major political parties, unlike 77% of those aged 80 and older.
With that being said the senior class of Abington Friends have thoughts on their upcoming voting experience, and what it has to offer.
When asked about her feelings on voting, Maggie Richards ’25 said, “I feel very excited.” Richards continues, “I feel confident on who I’m gonna vote for; I don’t feel as much pressure but I know there is pressure in general especially with young people in this election on who to vote for so it’s that type of idea.”
According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, since the 2022 midterms, more than 8 million youth will have turned 18 by 2024.
Oliver Peterson ‘25 is another one of the eight million who have turned eighteen and will be voting.
Peterson said, “I feel really lucky, I think voting is an important part of our democracy so I’m glad that I get to be a part of that.”
Peterson continues, “I think that there is pressure from both society and the communities I’m a part of and everybody, but it’s all about doing your research and trusting your judgment.”
Research is one of the most vital steps in the journey of voting, as learning about both parties and aligning them with your values and convictions is important when making the final decision.
According to Ogheneovoke Akpude, exposure to diverse viewpoints during and after the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a desire for deeper political engagement.
Yael Smith Posner ‘25 embraces this deeper desire for political engagement.
Smith Posner said, “I’m really excited that I get to participate in our democracy and I feel important now because I’m old enough to be trusted with decisions of our nation which feels like a big deal.”
Smith Posner continues, “I don’t feel pressure but I do feel uplifted because 18-24 is a targeted demographic and because of that I have been getting so much mail and so many organizations reaching out to me; so I think because of that I don’t feel like anyone is pressuring me in or out of my decision; I’m confident.”
Being eighteen comes with its ups and downs just like any other age, but the responsibility and honor of participating in our nation’s democracy remains something to look forward to. For all of the juniors and seniors, I hope to see you participating in four years.
