On November 5th, 2024, Americans went out to the polling booths and made their voices heard. With a 312-226 electoral vote win over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Republican candidate Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States in January, serving his second term since his win over Hillary Clinton in 2016. No matter how you may feel about this, it is undeniable that the voter turnout this year was massive. My parents told me that when they went to turn in the ballots they had completed at home, the li ne for in-person voters stretched around the building, and there were no parking spots available. This was not just observable in our large community of Riverside. According to the Associated Press, which provided live updates throughout the night of the election, nearly 145 million Americans voted in the election, a significant increase from the 2020 election. With various crucial rights on the line, Americans knew that this election would shape the face of our country for the next four years, which led to a high increase in voter turnout and hundreds of millions of viewers tuning in live to see who was winning in each state.
Voting as a Ritual
In the 2028 election, nearly our entire current PHS student population will be eligible to vote and have our voices heard. This is an important reason why we must educate ourselves on voting and the election process. I’ve made an effort these past two elections to collaborate with my parents to learn what the candidates stand for and what each proposition on the ballot means. When you take a closer look at the ballots, you begin to realize how many propositions there are and how they will affect us in the current day if they are passed. There were various propositions this election that focused on improving K-12 schools and changes to the California constitution, which are issues our generation needs to be aware of before becoming voters.
Results of 2024 Voting Survey at Patriot High School
I decided to investigate and survey our Patriot High School population, including both students and staff, to gauge their overall feelings about the 2024 election and voting overall. The survey provided participants with a series of statements. Participants responded with their opinion on each statement, ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". For clarification, the form was entirely anonymous and did not ask anyone specific questions about their political affiliations or beliefs -- though some surveyed chose to voice their opinions in the free response question.
PHS staff and students on "Why Our Voices Matter"
“It matters because who we vote for impacts our lives personally and the laws created will affect us either negatively or positively. We must be cautious of who should be in charge because our rights depend on it.”
“Voting matters to have a choice on presidents who will lead the country and stop others from outraging and overthrowing the government. And it matters to others because depending on the president it could mean alliances or war.”
“Voting as an American, especially as Gen Z-ers is very important as it is our future that will be affected by these political decisions. The majority of politicians are older but that doesn't mean they are wiser… [having] fresh ideas and new minds are vital because, in the long run, it affects the world that will be left for the generations to come.”
“Voice matters because it is our fundamental right to exercise it. It matters because people before us fought for this fundamental right for us. It matters because we are not under a dictatorship, like in other countries, but we live in a democracy where the people decide.”
“Voting very much matters to people outside of America, especially to those whose voices are suppressed by threats or violence, where expressing your opinion or disagreeing with the government can mean death.”
“Voices opinions, shows the interest of the people, determines the fate of the country for next 4 years, protecting democracy, protecting freedoms.”
“Can make or break an entire country or the entire world lol.”
“Controlling foreign affairs, affects immigration, wars/alliances, maintaining peace, change in foreign policies”
Although we all try to stay away from talking about political affiliations, candidates, and voting, it is important to know that most of us care about issues in our communities and about our voices being heard. No matter how you or your families voted at the ballot box, or if you embrace or have disdain for who will lead our country in January, one thing is clear: Your voice is celebrated because you voted. What we know is that the next election will happen. And with that, we keep celebrating and upholding the process of democracy. When we work together, are interested, participate, and are educated, all Americans win.
How to Get Involved at the Voting Booth
This past election, some PHS students were involved in helping at the voting booth placed outside our theater. The Student Poll Program encourages high school students, age 16 and older, who are U.S. citizens, maintain a 2.5-grade point average, and have permission from their parent/guardian and school to learn how elections are run while they earn money as a student poll worker on Election Day.
Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for a stipend ranging from $65 to $150. Check out the High School Poll Worker recruitment flyer (PDF) and get involved.
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