Nov. 2, 2024
By Cal Gonzalez
Staff Writer
This article is part of a five-part in-depth reporting project about the 2024 presidential election.
As Nov. 5, Election Day, nears, seniors Izabel Graziani, Nathaniel P. Hughes, and Melissa Valencia prepare to make their voices heard by casting a ballot for the first time. Turning 18 allows them to participate in political elections, which they say comes with a sense of responsibility.
“I would like to make an impact by voting in the election,” said Valencia, who turned 18 in April.
Although Valencia said she is eager to be part of the democratic process, she said staying up-to-date and informed about politics is especially challenging in the digital age.
“Social media affects how I might see the candidates, as it’s easy to be misinformed,” Valencia said. “I feel confused, as there [are] a lot of sides to multiple stories and arguments between the two candidates and the two parties.”
Valencia said she was especially eager to find out how Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump would impact the United States’ economy if they were elected president.
“I’m interested in how they would handle certain problems like inflation and rising taxes while staying objective and not letting their agenda infringe on ways to help the people,” Valencia said.
She said it is difficult to be part of the voting public at a time when the nation is so politically polarized.
“We live in an interesting and complicated political climate, and I would like to contribute.”
“There’s a lot of pressure, as there [are] multiple different viewpoints people have, so… you’re always going to upset somebody,” Valencia said. “It’s very stressful.”
Valencia said voters should cast their ballots for the candidate they believe would be the best president.
“Don’t feel pressured by anybody, and follow what you think is right,” Valencia said.
Hughes, who turned 18 in August, also said voters should stay true to their values when deciding for whom to vote.
“Don’t let anyone’s biases affect your opinion,” Hughes said.
He said his vote will be based on the candidates’ views on issues that matter to him.
“How a candidate will be with women’s reproductive rights and policies surrounding the [southern] border are very important things to consider,” Hughes said.
He said he looks forward to voting.
“We live in an interesting and complicated political climate, and I would like to contribute,” Hughes said.
Graziani, who turned 18 last month, said voting is an important part of adulthood because it is one of the first things one becomes eligible to do after coming of age.
Graziani said she has done a lot of research to prepare for the presidential election.
“I often get my information from social media because it is the most accessible way,” Graziani said.
She said she also watched both the presidential debate on Sept. 10 and the vice presidential debate on Oct. 1.
“It is [necessary] to get your information from multiple sources, and that’s what I did,” Graziani said.
She said as a woman, reproductive issues are her top concern.
“I would like a candidate that would support my personal freedoms [and addresses] international affairs, classism, and housing issues,” Graziani said.
She said she encourages voters to head to the polls on Election Day.
“It’s important to have your voice heard and to play a role, so get out there and vote,” said Graziani.
