Everyone loves surprises, and the Nov. 6 midterm election was no different for new voters at KO. Their and some faculty’s stories about voting gives insight into the voting world that exists, but your eyes have never seen.
Senior Sam Mazo walked nervously into the polls around 6:00 p.m. with his mom, not sure what to expect. As he checked in, he gained a round of applause for being a first time voter and at the time felt a bit uncomfortable. After completing the ballet and running it through the machine; however, Sam said he felt proud.
“I felt like ‘wow I’m actually making a difference in the state,’ ” Sam said.
Looking forward to his opportunity to vote, Sam said he watched a debate on T.V., and researched several candidates, including the CT senators, house representative, and governors. Sam said he was surprised there was more to vote for than candidates.
“Voting definitely is a milestone because it made you feel like your an adult,” Sam said, “especially on the state level, since every vote counts. I made a difference.” Senior Jack Johnson headed over to the booths with his mom as well. “It was a good experience voting for the first time. I feel a bit more accomplished,” Jack said. While he saw his mom fill out a ballot when he was little, he did not know the specifics of voting and felt unsure about how to vote.
“If I learned one thing, it is to make sure you know who you are voting for and make sure you vote for a certain reason,” Jack said. Now that he experienced the voting process, Jack said he pays more attention to politics. “Voting was a defining moment in my life,” Jack said. “Since I’m 18, it’s one of the things I’m finally allowed to do and it’s kind of a step into adulthood.”
Both Sam and Jack saved their stickers as keepsakes, remembering this election as their first voting opportunity. With the media holding weight in public opinions, media outlets urged that there was more significance in this election. “It seemed more important because we have such a controversial president,” Sam said.
Faulty also noticed this media frenzy. “There’s this nastiness on both sides to the extent that you have to disconnect and just vote,” French teacher Jonathan Briggs said. Despite the unrest on T.V., teachers at KO still enjoy the opportunity to vote. “It’s a privilege to express my opinion,” Dr. Briggs said. “I’m lucky to actually cast my ballot when other countries don’t.”
History teacher Katie McCarthy agreed. “The people that we vote for are not some abstract figures, but they actually play a role in our lives,” she said.
While voting may not be on the horizon quite yet for you, it is never too early to start educating yourself about the election process. Before you know it, it will be your chance to vote, and in a matter of seconds your voice will count towards the future of America.
