It all depends on who my options are to vote on. I have my excuses not to vote because I don’t like or believe in either of the candidates. I know that I should vote because one of the two candidates will be elected. If I don’t vote, someone else will decide on my future. And that’s (voting is) my right. -Lily Aloel

I will vote because I want to change the government for the better. They say that if you want change you will have to advocate for that change, and therefore I would have to vote. Not to mention, when you vote you have to follow politics to see what you like. So not only would you be advocating for change, you would be more educated and aware of politics. For these reasons given, I would choose to vote as an adult. -Kade Copeland

You have the power to decide on the quality of life you want for yourself and future generations. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like public transportation, raising minimum wage, or funding local schools. This is your life: take the time to help decide what’s best. Elections are decided by the people who go out and vote. Take some time and learn about the measures and the candidates. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for you. Your power is in your vote. -Ellis Lopez

When I turn eighteen, I will vote. I will vote because it is my right as an American citizen to have a voice in my government. Also, if I don’t vote the government will not be to my liking. Voting for the right candidates can and will change my life and the lives around me. Voting can also make my life easier when candidates change how workers are paid. -Zach Gebhart

Voting plays a very important role in the United States. I will vote. It’s a voice and a privilege that we get to use based on our opinions to let the government know what we think.  Since every vote counts, we are in charge of the future and who leads it.  We control the future. -Jada Leal

I have decided when I turn 18 I am going to vote. I have made this decision because I believe that every vote counts. I don’t like getting involved in politics but I know that if I vote it can help make the decision for who is president, vice president, etc. I want my vote to be counted and heard. If I am going to live on this earth and follow the rules of someone else, I want it to be somebody that I believe in. -Kayla Marr

I plan to vote when I turn 18 because I want to make a difference in the government. I think that if I didn’t vote I would be missing an opportunity. Even if my vote doesn’t end up making a big difference, at least I will know that I did everything in my power to make the government more ideal.  I also think that if more young people voted the government would start to make policies for me and my peers instead of just the senior citizens, considering they are the biggest population of voters. I think that everyone that has the right to vote should vote so they can make a difference. -Skyley Ramsey

When I am 18, I am going to vote. I am going to vote because it is one of the ways I get to decide on what happens to our country and what happens with my future. Voting helps decide where money is spent, it helps show politicians what people care about, and it is one of the biggest ways to get your voice heard. When America was first created, only property-owning white men could vote, and other groups fought so their voices could be heard. Not voting gives up one of your first rights as an American citizen, and you no longer have a say on what happens.
-Aucklynn Sacco

When I turn 18 I will be voting because our future depends on it. Even if one person’s vote seems small, one vote can make a huge difference in the election. This is our government and if you aren’t voting to make it better for the country, you are missing out. When voting you aren’t only doing it for yourself, but you are deciding the person you think is the best fit to help our nation make decisions for everyone. One thing’s for sure, I won’t let our government be chosen by chance and people I don’t know, I will be voting when I turn 18 and having a say in our government.
-Abigail Smith

I will register to vote, and here’s why. This is my chance to voice my opinion in how our government is run, operated and maintained. This is how I support an elected official who represents what I want to see happen. When my peers and I share the same ideas, we can vote for the same people. When you don’t vote, you are losing the opportunity to voice your opinion. If you don’t vote, the wrong person might be elected. Your vote could make all the difference. A vote is the voice of the people. Sometimes you vote for an idea instead of a person. Your vote says if you think it is a good idea or a bad idea. Something you think is a bad idea might be passed because you didn’t vote. This is why I encourage everyone to vote! -Cole Tuttle

[Editor’s Note. Thank you to Jennifer Gillette for sharing these student paragraphs to include in this weeks edition of The Mountain-Ear.]

(Originally published in the October 1, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)