With the 2016 presidential election coming up, it’s very important for new voters to be educated and informed. Voters should know things such as the voting process, deadlines, and as how to casting their vote.

Here in the United States, our form of government is a democratic one, meaning we, the people, elect representatives by majority rule. We do this by a process called The Electoral College. The Electoral College is made up of 538 electors who cast votes to decide the President and Vice-President of the United States. When voters go to the polls they choose which candidate receives their state’s electors. The candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes (270) wins the Presidency. The number 538 is the sum of the nation’s 435 Representatives, 100 Senators, and 3 electors given to the District of Columbia.

In Washington State, it’s fairly easy to vote and become eligible to vote. You have to be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the US, a legal resident of Washington State, not disqualified from voting due to a court order, and not under the Department of Corrections supervision for Washington felony conviction in order to be considered eligible to vote. Registering is something you must do yourself, but there are plenty of ways to do it that are very convenient. You can register online through the Secretary of State website or register at any driver licensing office.

“When you’re old enough to vote and have a say in what’s happening around the world and in your country, it shouldn’t be taken lightly,” said Jacob Olsen ‘16.

What many young adults don’t realize is that young people are the lowest percent of voters and because of that, politicians pay less attention to young people and their issues so it’s very important to make sure that you’re voting when you’re legally eligible.  

“When you don’t vote, you risk not having your voice heard as a demographic group, your issues being neglected, and politicians paying attention to the wealthy and those who vote over everyone else,”said AP government teacher, Katie Newman. “Identify your own values before voting and vote with your head based on what the candidates believe and what you believe.”

Newman also added that “We live in a democracy and it only works when people actually participate in it. People worked very hard to earn the right to vote and that shouldn’t be forgotten. We’re very lucky to be able to elect our leaders.”

“I think that with the majority of voters being middle aged and older people, it’s important to have younger people’s voices heard,” said Megan Otto ‘16. “We know what we need to change and I think that we’re the generation to do it and it will benefit us and have a huge impact on our lives so we should participate in the election. Before voting, just be sure to know who the candidates are, their platforms, and how their views and beliefs match up with yours,”

The class of 2016 has the opportunity to experience a rite of passage in the process of becoming an adult as the 2016 Presidential Election approaches. Government classes can help students prepare not only for Presidential Elections, but for local and state level elections as well; sending graduates into the world with a firm understanding of the political process and the importance of their role in a democracy.