New voters are eligible to vote at the age of eighteen. It is important they are taught how to both register and submit their ballots. There are multiple opinions on the best way to educate the students on this process, leaving some students without enough information.
Online and mail-in registrations will be due eight days before the election. There are ballot drop boxes throughout the community, including the local library and Lowes in Smokey Point. Voter registration is available here .
“I’m encouraging them to register if they feel that is something they want to do and feel like they’re informed enough to make a wise choice,” Brent Copenhaver, AP Government teacher at AHS, said.
Copenhaver provided his classes with registration and deadline resources needed, something done in all government classes on campus. Those who are not in a government class, however, are left to their own devices.
“They will have to educate themselves a little bit,” Copenhaver said.
Learning about political topics helps students make these choices. The government classes at AHS are designed to help students make educated decisions.
“I think everyone should vote,” Beau Pearson (‘25) said. “If you have someone you want to vote for, you should absolutely vote.”
However, Pearson declared he was not voting in this election, with reasoning to back his decision.
“I kind of think both candidates are not very good,” Pearson said.
Pearson defines himself as educated, finding knowledge where others do not. He feels he is knowledgeable enough to make this decision. He may be an exception, however, taking responsibility for his own education.
Administrator Kyle Axelson thinks it is important to educate all eligible students who attend AHS, whether they are in a government class or not.
“I think just educating people on what it means to vote, why it’s important we take part in a democratic society,” Axelson said. “If you don’t vote, we are kind of losing the whole purpose of having that opportunity… Those kids [who are not in a government class] would fall through the cracks. I think it is important that we do try to promote voting, or just the fact that you can register,” Axelson said.
Axelson feels registration should extend out of the classroom and into the community, for the whole student body.
“I think more than anything, just create opportunities to register. I think we should make this as easy as possible,” Axelson said.
