The 2024 Presidential Election is taking place today, November 5th. Young voters here at EHS are voicing their views on several issues, including social media’s influence, and the importance of voting. Two EHS seniors, Chiara White and Maggie McDonough, shared their perspectives.

The Importance of Voting 

Both White and McDonough agree that voting makes a difference and is essential. White believes how impactful and important it is to vote and is glad she can finally participate in the voting process. 

“I think every vote matters and the fact that I get to vote so young is really important,” White said. “I learned that in my AP Government class, and I think it’s very true.” 

“If you didn’t vote, you would never have a say in anything, no matter how small,” McDonough said. “I do genuinely believe that, like even a little bit of effort can make a great difference in things.”

Top issues 

For White and McDonough, they both agree that reproductive rights for women are one of the top issues that they care about. 

McDonough believes climate change is also a big issue that is being ignored. 

“I do think climate change is always taking a backseat,” McDonough said.  

White believes that gun violence is an issue that needs to be addressed. 

“I stand for rights, and I just joined Students Demand Action, and I think gun violence is a big issue that should be addressed and focused on,” White said.

The Role and Impacts of Social Media

McDonough believes that campaigning on social media can be helpful for the candidates, but people should acknowledge that not everything on the internet is accurate and to be careful. She connected the historical influence of media on elections, comparing the 1960 presidential debate to the current influence of social media on candidate perception.

“I think that social media provides a lot of biased views on both sides,” White said. “On TikTok, I always see the Harris page pull up and the Trump page, and they’re both very biased and they both attack each other.”

Influences on Political Views 

White and McDonough both stated that family has influenced their political views to varying degrees as well as living in Vermont.

“I think growing up in this environment really impacted my political views a lot,” White said.

“I would say my family as well, but not completely. A lot of my family, while they do share the same party views as me, I don’t have the same sort of moralistic uses they do,” McDonough said.

With priorities ranging from climate change, women’s rights, gun violence, and economic stability, we have finally reached election day. Young voters like White and McDonough urge eligible voters to vote, viewing voting essential and impactful in our society. These two voters are eager to make an impact that will shape the nation’s future.