This Fall, several Harwood students will be voting for the first time, bucking the trend of youth voter apathy.   

Voter apathy among voters 18-29 is a major issue in this country, with only 23% of eligible voters casting ballots in the 2022 midterm election.  

Commonground checked in with seniors Austin Welch and Tucker Buffum, two first-time voters, to speak with them about the upcoming 2024 presidential election. 

When asked how it feels that they can finally vote, Welch stated that “I’m ready to be a part of history.” 

Buffum continued by adding “[It] makes me feel older…Makes me feel more responsible.”

Growing up comes along with more responsibilities, meaning more real-world issues to pay mind to. These young voters just want to fulfill their civic duties and showcase their maturity, but there are other issues on young voters’ minds.

 Several Harwood students exemplified concerns on the candidates in the debate. “[I feel like they] just say a bunch of random stuff to gain voters,” said Welch.  

There are other problems for the young voters, too: policies are on their minds. Major issues aren’t being addressed and there seems to be false promises in the candidates’ statements. 

With these 18 year olds moving out the house to further their careers, Buffum mentioned “[we need] more affordable housing”.

Young folks out of highschool/going into college debt want to be able to provide for themselves. But, when they can’t have a full time job because of the demands of University education, how are they paying for housing, let alone school?“I want to vote for who I feel will make the country better,” said Buffum.

With confusion and falsehoods resulting from the debate and other presidential statements,  how are these Highlanders gonna know who’s gonna make the country “better”? These seniors are trying to stay informed, and the classes they are taking here at Harwood, such as Ap Gov and Three Democracies, are pushing these students to pay attention to current events.

Another question we asked these Highlanders is “what question would you ask a candidate?” 

“[I would ask,] Realistically, what are you going to do for our country?” answered Welch. 

Buffum continued with, “What’s something kind you would say about the other candidates?” 

These Highlanders are showing their maturity by getting their vote out and defying young voter apathy. This just goes to show how young voters want to vote, but are confused in the process of doing so.

The system is a spectrum of ideas and beliefs and these young voters are finding their place in it. For young voters to get out and make their voices heard they can vote Tuesday, November 5th here at Harwood or check these polling places for your area!