Seniors register to vote

Charles Robbins l Sports Editor

With the Pennsylvania midterm election coming up on Nov. 8 some seniors are already of age to vote.

It is hard to think of a time in recent memory when America has been more polarized. Both camps have different things energizing their bases. High gas prices and inflation seem to be the leading causes for their motivation at the voting booths.

“Things cost twice as much as they did under Trump,” said senior Bryce Culp.

Culp believes voting is important and that everyone should cast a vote.

“Voting is what makes America great,” said Culp. “It’s ruled by the people, not ruled by the few.”

Culp will be voting for Republican Mehmet Oz for senate and Republican Doug Mastriano for the gubernatorial election.

Another senior voting this year is Emily Gokcebay, who turned 18 on Sept. 8.

“I’m supporting Josh Shapiro because he wants to keep abortion legal in Pennsylvania,” said Gokcebay.

Gokcebay is not the only student that brought up abortion as her primary reason for voting this year.

“Over half of new registered voters in Pennyslvania are women under the age of 25, so that’s a huge motivator for me and a lot of people,” said senior Tyler Steffy.

 Steffy will be voting for Democrats Josh Shapiro for governor and John Fetterman for senate. He, like Culp, believes voting is important for everyone.

“This year voting is especially important because we have the most divided legislature in decades,” said Steffy. “Also, Pennyslvania is one of the few states where the margin of victory between Biden and Trump is lower than the number of new registered voters, so the high school vote in Pennsylvania alone could swing legislative policy.”

Abortion is not the only reason that many democrats are feeling motivated for the midterms this year though.

Many students who are 18 are undecided and do not feel they know enough about the candidates to make a decision.

“I’m leaning towards Doug [Mastriano], but I really don’t know,” said senior Matthew Harrell. “I genuinely don’t know enough about politics, but they both look pretty slimey to me.”

Senior Owen Sparks is 18, but he does not know if he is going to vote in the election.

“I might vote, but I really don’t care and follow politics at all,” said Sparks. “I don’t even know if I’ll register.”

Steffy believes everyone, regardless of how much knowledge someone has on the subject, should vote if they are 18 or above.

“I think voting is important for people to voice their minds, even if its based on who’s name sounds the coolest,” said Setffy. “Even if that’s how limited your knowledge is, being able to use your voice for elected officials is really important.”

Building substitute teacher Leonard Pundt believes that it is voters’ own responsibility to be informed about the candidates.

“It’s your responsibility as a citizen to make informed decisions on who to support and vote for,” said Pundt. “If you don’t know anything about the candidates and major issues, then why should you vote?”