*The names John and Tom have been used to protect the identities of sources in this article.
As the new generation enters adulthood, some students face a decision that only comes around every four years. 18-year-olds are weighing their options and the impact of their choice to vote. While considering different issues at hand, two seniors share their personal decision on whether or not they have decided to vote in the upcoming presidential election.
Q: Are you planning to vote in the upcoming presidential election?
John: “Yes.”
Tom: “No.”
Q: What has influenced your decision?
John: “Recently, a lot of commercials on television have been all about politics. Seeing the debate on TV has influenced my decision and who I’m going to vote for. Also, general talks with my family: like what we believe in, [and] what we want to see in America has also influenced [me].”
Tom: “Since I just turned 18 and am still a high school student, I don’t know enough about politics yet to weigh in on who I want to lead this country. I think I’m just too young.”
Q: Have you discussed voting with your friends or family? What have they decided?
John: “A lot of my friends are 17 so they aren’t able to vote. I’ve talked with my mom about going to vote together. [My mom and I] have similar opinions which helps whenever we’re looking at the world and coming to a conclusion on what needs to change.”
Tom: “Some of my friends are still 17 and the ones who are 18 are split. Some want to, others don’t. It just depends on whether they follow politics or not.”
Q: How have you received your information about each candidate?
John: “A lot of what I see is based on television, but I have also researched [Harris] more than Trump specifically. I am mainly already familiar with [Trump] because of his last run. Just seeing him on television and the way he’s responding to questions helps me form an opinion about him.”
Tom: “A big source, not just for me but for everyone in general, is family. I think family really persuades your political views. I wouldn’t say I always agree with what my family says, so I think people should form their own political opinions.”
Q: What issues are most important to you when considering who to vote for?
John: “Issues that are important to me are about the environment I’ve been in. I care about equality as a whole. I am also middle class. My parents are divorced, they don’t have a lot of money, so I care about getting help for that. The issues that I care about align more with [Harris] than Trump.”
Tom: “I think the economy is a big issue. It’s important to make sure it’s staying afloat. I also would say gun control. I feel those are big issues to think about when picking a candidate.”
Q: How does social media influence your views on voting?
John: “There is a giant media influence on elections, that’s always been a thing. Commercials do a great job of persuading an audience to look at a candidate from a certain perspective. If I didn’t do my own research and just believed what was being said about a candidate on social media, that would definitely change how I vote.”
Tom: “I think [social media] is a big factor. Almost every teenager is on multiple social media apps. It’s a good way for news sources who might be far left or right to put out their information. It’ll reach teenagers and they might be persuaded by that.
Q: What role do you think the younger generation plays in politics?
John: “[Teens] play a big role in [politics]. I know that not everyone in my grade is old enough to vote, but the people who can are able to step up. You’re an adult now and you have the opportunity to vote, which can change the outcome of the entire election. For my friends who aren’t able to, they are depending on me to represent them and our generation.”
Tom: “In my opinion, I think it’s really important for a political party to capture a young audience. I feel using social media in that context to persuade us is really big for them. We’re the next coming generation.”
