By: Madison Brown

Circulation Manager

Each year, Americans vote in local elections, but the presidential election every fourth year in November sparks the most attention. Those eighteen and older in the United States have the power to vote for their future leader each presidential election, and with the current candidates running, new voters are highly motivated to have themselves heard on important issues such as healthcare and the status of the economy.

Several seniors at Ferndale High School have expressed that they are excited, nervous, and uncertain about the upcoming election. However, most seniors who are eligible to vote in 2024 express confidence in their beliefs and gratitude for the opportunity. 

Tala Deeb, a senior at FHS, is eagerly anticipating the 2024 election and is grateful to be a part of the voting process. She stated, “I will definitely be voting, and I want to be a part of the democracy to make my voice heard.” 

As voting holds a large impact, so does understanding the candidates’ plans for the country. Research should be done on each candidate beforehand, and even though some seniors rely on their parents’ opinions, Deeb differs, stating she has her “own opinion.”

Deeb is voting for Vice President Kamala Harris because she believes Harris represents not only her but much of the country. Deeb comments, “She is a woman, she’s a person of color, and she has been a part of the middle class,” adding “I think Kamala has it [the majority of votes needed to surpass Trump] because I’m hopeful that her positivity will get her in office. Meanwhile, Trump is trying to divide us.” 

Like Deeb, many other seniors at FHS believe that Harris will end up as the forty-seventh president of the USA.

Jake Benner, a senior voting this election, also believes Harris will win. He states, “I think Kamala won the debate, so she’ll probably win the election.” Benner backs Harris because of her stance on healthcare. “I’m leaning towards Kamala because the other candidate is trying to take away women’s rights and that’s not okay,” he said.

Other seniors shared the same opinion, specifically regarding the heated presidential debate held in early September between Donald Trump and Harris. 

Senior Kenneth Berry stated he is voting for Harris and thinks she will win because of her statements made during the debate and the accuracy of them. Berry states, “I think Harris will win based on the debate having fewer lies told [than Trump].” 

In general, seniors at FHS seem to appreciate Harris’ integrity, but what someone’s ideal candidate looks like goes far beyond honesty. Senior Ruth Brisson believes the model of a perfect candidate is someone who is “open in showing their plan for America, while also proving to the country that they will execute said plan.” On a similar note, senior Lauren Martin commented, “A good candidate is someone who knows what they want to implement and actually has policies that they are [publicly] able to talk about.”

FHS seniors also value policies that don’t discriminate against others. Senior Maddie Powell states, “A good candidate is somebody who works to benefit everybody in their country and not just people who are the same as them.” Harris has her support and Powell believes she will win for this reason.

Inclusivity is favored by the class of 2025, who are enthusiastic about going to the polls where they will vote alongside their teachers. Several members of the FHS staff recalled their first time casting their ballot. 

English teacher Kylie Roulo stated that the first election she participated in took place in 2004, when candidates stood as John Kerry and George W. Bush in the aftermath of 9/11, but she recalls feeling heard. She said, “I just remember being in college and feeling kind of grown-up and important.” Having the ability to vote gives Americans a sense of accomplishment, which makes them feel as if they have made a difference in the world. 

History teacher Adeline Perhogan agrees, as she first voted during the 2016 election in which candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton competed for office. Perhogan shared, “While in line, I felt important for doing my part.” 

However not all FHS seniors felt that same excitement. Jayden Patton has decided he is not voting due to this. Patton stated, “I’m not voting partly because I don’t want to, and I also don’t like the candidates.” 

In other cases, some may not vote due to their lack of knowledge regarding the topic as a whole.

Senior Kameron Craig said, “I am voting, but at the same time I am not completely sure if I want to. I am nervous, and I don’t know much about politics.” Voting can be challenging at times, especially when voters are indecisive about who to vote for or you are not knowledgeable about politics. Teachers at FHS hope that students push past this challenge. 

Perhogan is encouraging that seniors go vote because of the power that new voters obtain. She stated, “Seniors should vote because the younger generation could really change the direction of the candidates,” adding “ a lot of the middle generations like Gen X and Millennials historically do not have high voter percentages.” 

History and Economics teacher Todd Whalen, who has been voting since 1996, added a comment in close alignment with Perhogan’s, saying, “I think it’s really important for people to get involved and see themselves in the process [of voting]. Seniors especially, though I know a lot will just shrug it off, but they should vote and of course consider the homework. Homework as in your research skills – and there is an abundance of resources at the disposal of seniors to do it.”

In this election, knowing just a few things about each candidate is better than not knowing anything at all, which is what most teachers at FHS want for their students who can vote. There may be a feeling of nervousness among FHS’s new voters due to the stark contrast between the candidates, but nervousness is expected and understandable. Regardless of the mixed emotions about the upcoming election, Ferndale students will make their voices heard.