“Your generation is going to be a generation of the world not just of the United States,” government teacher Ted Burba said.
Burba is leading the pack to educate young voters; over the last two months, Burba has been helping students get involved and registered to vote.
Eighteen is the big number and not just for voting. Eighteen represents the start of adulthood, freedom, and the opportunity to control your own life.
The catch?
It comes with a lot of responsibility, one of those responsibilities is voting.
“Voting is very important so that your views and the views of people like you are represented,” senior Spencer Todd said.
This year, Todd is an election inspector in Plainfield Township. He will be in charge of signing people in and keeping track of all the ballots.
As a new voter, Todd is finding that social media is a challenge in his path to becoming an aware voter.
“I’m worried that social media platforms may change what I see based on my political views,” Todd said.
Talking politics and expressing your opinion to the world has become easier and more customary in our society. The exposure to other people’s opinions can influence one’s beliefs and views.
Politics also influence the media, especially in these past few years with presidential conflicts. For example, if you’re someone who frequently watches the news it can be easy to form opinions based on what type of coverage you are more exposed to.
Tailored media can lead to fake news, political warfare and biased opinions broadcasted around the world. These factors all make it hard for new voters to navigate and find their way.
Yet voting is important, and every vote does count. Your vote might be the tipping point to changing our society as a whole.
“We want people to be wise about whatever way they think is right for them, don’t be swayed,” Burba said.
