By Amanda Tennant, staff writer
In November 2016, the presidential election for the 45th President of the United States will take place. However, this election will be the first time many young people will vote and this vote could sway the election.
According to pewresearch. org, millennials (people ages 18-34) have replaced the baby boomers(people ages 51-69) as the largest age generation.
With such an emphasis on young people, General Studies seniors Celine Visalda and Shomari Kirkwood reflect on the vote and what it means to them.
“I think it is a great opportunity to be involved in my country and to be able to have an effect on what occurs in my country to make sure we obtain favorable outcomes,” said Visalda.
“I feel like voting is extremely important as it’s necessary to adding my own voile in the political process,” said Kirkwood.
On issues that matter to them, Kirkwood and Visalda vary.
“The most important issues to me this year will be education, civil rights, and foreign policy,” said Kirkwood.
“I believe that all the issues are important however I tend to favor education, guns/second amendment, gay marriage, immigration, and labor and wages,” said Visalda.
ITHS&A AP Government teacher Marla Day also weighs in about the impact young people will have on the elections.
“ It appears that the Republican voters have a higher turnout rate at this point in the primary/caucus season. If I am correct this is the highest since the Carter/Reagan election in 1980,” said Day.
“ As for the Democrats, it’s obvious the younger voters are taking a stand by supporting Bernie Sanders which could explain higher than normal numbers for Democrats.”
According to motherjones.com, youth turnout for Iowa caucuses are the second highest in the last 20 years at 11.2 percent.
Day credits an upset in American politics as the reason for such high turnout.
“The American people are tired of the partisan politics. They want to see movement towards resolving key issues. This is not happening on both sides,” said Day.
Overall, Kirkwood and Visalda both believe in their political efficacy in this election.
“To vote means that I contain the ability to have an effect on the workings of our government,” said Visalda.