As the 2024 election approaches, U.S. citizens are gearing up to cast their vote. The process to vote is extremely individualized and everyone has their own method of preparing for it. Various LTHS staff discuss their preparation for voting.
Early voting is currently taking place and Kelsey Jones, US History teacher, described the ease of early voting and the registration process.
“I am registered to vote and I will be early voting,” Jones said. “Very simple process, and it saves a ton of time on voting day.”
The voting registration process differs depending on the state, so for those who have recently moved, the process is more complicated.
“I’m new to Texas so it was very important to me that I registered to vote in Texas in time,” Assistant Principal Jazmyn Ford said. “I jumped through the many hoops of registration. Whenever you get your driver’s license you have the option to check a box to register.”
Ford discussed a lesson about a key figure who fought for voting rights as her first introduction to the topic.
“I was in elementary school and we learned about Fanny Lou Hamer,” Ford said. “That was my early introduction to voting rights.”
Lesli Russell, Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) educator at LTHS and Reedy, has decided to vote based on her own beliefs and has refrained from looking at external news sources and letting them influence her decision.
“I have prepared by not watching anything,” Russell said. “I believe that every media outlet is biased in one way, shape, or form, so I try to look at my experience and vote based on my experience as opposed to what the media is saying.”
On the other hand, some staff members have used online research as a main method of preparation for the election.
“[I have been] doing my research on the candidates using their media platforms and campaign websites as primary sources to determine which candidate best reflects my morals and my values that I support in the government,” Jones said.
To continue, policies geared toward education have been a main focus of Principal Fern Bamfo-Addo (Addo) regarding her vote.
“I’ve been reading a lot about policy and education,” Addo said. “Texas public schools are being held hostage, I feel like. [I have been] trying to make sure I am educated and making an informed decision.”
All in all, voting is a right that allows citizens to elect people that advocate for their beliefs and every person’s vote holds immense significance.
“I believe everyone in this country has their own beliefs and experiences,” Russell said. “I believe that everyone has the right to vote based on those opinions. If you’re not voting, you have no right to complain about the state of affairs because if you’re not trying to be a part of the solution, you’re one hundred percent not helping the situation.”
Voting is a civic duty for U.S. citizens and if eligible to vote, be sure to register and cast your vote for the upcoming election.
