Student voters participate in midterm elections

Midterm elections took place on Nov. 6, garnering the highest midterm voter turnout in 50 years.
The midterm elections are general elections that take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, which give voters the chance to elect members of Congress.
More than 47 percent of the voting-eligible population cast a ballot, compared to the 36.7 percent that did in 2014. Additionally, early turnout in Virginia more than doubled since 2014, according to TIME Magazine.
Senior Olivia Koshute said she voted during midterms because she wanted to use her voting power in a meaningful way.
“[I decided to vote] because I want my voice to be heard about what I want to happen in our government,” Koshute said. “Unless we go out there and use our civic responsibilities to decide who is going to represent us, then what we want won’t happen.”
Koshute said she was excited to be able to cast a ballot.
“I was just happy to finally get to [vote],” Koshute said. “It is a really awesome responsibility we have as citizens and as adults.”
A voter’s designated polling place depends on their house address. Several county schools, including Marshall, serve as voting locations.
In order to be eligible to vote, one must be of legal age and have United States citizenship.
Senior Laila Yun, who moved to the U.S. last year, was unable to vote despite meeting the age requirement.
“Obviously, I think it is important for people to be involved and vote,” Yun said. “I have a lot of friends who voted [at midterms] and were really excited about it. But because I’m not a citizen, I can’t be involved in that yet.”
Senior Jade Stevers said voting is important because it helps younger generations have a say in political decisions.
“If we want change, the only way to achieve that is by doing something,” Stevers said. “Nowadays, it is so easy to be educated […] so [eligible youth voters] have no excuse not to vote.”