Turning 18 years old comes with many freedoms and responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is the right to vote, and for eligible upperclassmen, this year will be their first time voting in a primary election and the presidential election. In hopes to reinforce the importance of voting, on Jan. 30 government teacher Jennifer Fortenberry helped host a rally where students were able to register to vote. 

“It’s very important that the younger generations vote,” Fortenberry said. “A lot of the decisions that are being made now are going to be affecting them the most, whether it’s about the environment, social security, college, or whatever the issue may be, those issues are going to be impacting this generation for their entire lives.”

The event was held for juniors and seniors and included a voting game as well as booths set up where students were able to actually register to vote. As part of the event, quotes from students and teachers across the campus were read by Rho Kappa Honor Society students affirming the significance of using their right to vote, some of which discussed groups being prohibited from voting due to their gender, race or social status. One of the quotes spoke directly to junior Donovan Eacott. 

“I really like the quote on the projector screens that was saying that so many people couldn’t vote in the past and now that if you can vote, you should,” Eacott said. “If you don’t, it’s a disservice to everyone that didn’t get that opportunity.”

Senior Addie Dawson said that she will use voting in hopes to make a difference in society and in turn help create the society she envisions. 

“We are finally old enough to make a change in society, and really a change in the world, as well as what is going on, why not exercise that right if you could change it?” Dawson said. “I can’t speak for my entire generation when I say that it might get better than previous decades and centuries, but it’s definitely going to be a change.”

According to The Washington Post, during the 2016 election over 40 percent of all eligible voters in America, which is nearly 100 million people, did not vote. Fortenberry said she believes that is up to the younger generations to end this cycle.

“The students that I see are learning about the issues, making smart decisions and thinking,” Fortenberry said. “They have great judgment, sometimes even better judgment than the older generations, and they bring up important issues that we face today, so I absolutely have faith in them.”