With the new 2024-25 year, some Archmere Seniors are facing a new opportunity, voting in the upcoming election. In response to having a presidential election during the school year, the faculty affirmed a no-discussion policy about politics and the election. Even if Archmere does not find it appropriate to discuss it during school, it is extremely important for some if not all students. Seniors who turn 18 on or before the General Election, November 5, this year are eligible to vote if they registered before October 18th in Delaware and October 21st in Pennsylvania.
A student who will have an impact on the election is Elisa Small ‘25. When asked about her thoughts on her ability to vote she said, “I’m glad to have a voice in the future of this country and I feel empowered to have a role in government.” Having a greater voice in politics has been a leading reason why students have been voting since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971. Elisa maintains the belief that it’s important for young adults to vote because they are “taking charge,” as they will soon become the dominant generation, and more policies will have an effect on them.
To stay an educated voter while being a student, Elisa puts in lots of research looking for neutral sources that portray both parties equally or even looking at appointing viewpoints individually to compare. She claims sources like NPR have helped her have a full picture of both candidates. Citing Archmere as a useful experience when preparing, specifically mentioning taking AP US History as providing helpful context for the current election.
Her opinion of the “ban” on talking politics is that while debate is good for productive dialogue she agrees that debate can easily become harmful. She agrees with Archmere’s reasoning that not many students can vote, (mentioning that only less than 10 percent of the student body can vote) so dialogue is not necessary. Elisa also mentioned that debate will not change anyone’s mind this far into the election so discourse would be unproductive. Ultimately, she advises voting students to remember to “register to vote!” It needs to be completed before October 18th or 21st, depending on the state, to vote in the general election in November.
Mr.Nowaczyk, the Dean of Students and the AP US History Teacher believes Archmere helps their students become educated voters by offering classes like AP Government to better their understanding of the government and overall bettering source analysis skills through research papers. He also commented that voting is not a legitimate reason for a student to be late for school on November 5th and that eligible students should vote after school. His wise words for current and future student voters is to “Vote wisely.”
Ultimately student voting is crucial for the diversity of voters and accurate representation of the people. Historically student voters have been the first to call out present issues and now it’s the younger generation’s turn to take charge. Now here at Archmere, some students will have a great say in how the whole country is run. This new checkpoint that some Archmere students will cross shows that the senior class is closer to adulthood and that their time at Archmere has prepared them well for life after high school.
