Presidential race attracts teens

With the imminent presidential election growing closer, teens are becoming more interested in the candidates' campaigns and the election process. One factor that affects teens' interest in the election is whether or not they will be of age to cast their votes for the candidate that they would like to see as our next president.

Although many are still too young to register to vote, they plan on registering when they turn 18.

"Although I don't know much about politics, I am aware that every vote counts. When I am old enough to vote, I plan on educating myself about the candidates and issues so I can make smart decisions on who I want to lead me," says Lindsay Strouse, a sophomore at Shelton High School.

Mary Alice Limperopulos of Fairfield, a junior at Lauralton Hall in Milford, concurs, saying voting "is our right and we should take advantage of it."

Media coverage is the basis of many teens' knowledge about the election and presidential candidates. The media, in the forms of television, newspapers, magazines, and political websites, often shapes the opinions of teens concerning the election and their support of candidates.

Teens turn to these sources for information because they are easily and quickly accessible.

"Honestly, my decision is very influenced by media coverage because I usually don't have time to sit down and research each candidate, but I always try to get information from a reliable source," says Rebecca Zhu, a sophomore at Weston High

School.

However, other teens decide whom to vote for by relying on candidates' political profiles.

"My decision is based on the candidates' backgrounds, their level of experience and their stances on issues," says Mary Schulman, a sophomore at Fairfield Warde High School.

Even teens who will not be old enough to vote in the upcoming election find ways to become involved in politics.

"There are a lot of student run websites covering the race," says Zhu. Some teens become further educated about the election process through activities at their schools that familiarize them with the basics of the presidential race.

"[My school has] talked about the candidates' positions and stances on the announcements, and we've had a mock election," says Amisha Sisodiya, a freshman at Trumbull High School.

Some schools even try to encourage teens to become more involved in the election by facilitating voting registration.

"The Prep Political Awareness Club hopes to run a voter registration campaign at the beginning of next year," says Richard Johnson of Fairfield, a junior at Fairfield Prep.

Despite the number of ways that teens can become involved in the election, some still believe that adolescents are apathetic towards the presidential race.

"I think the majority of youth today lack an honest concern for politics," says Franklin Eneh, a junior at Bunnell High School in Stratford.

However, others believe the young vote can have the power to influence the outcome of the presidential polls in November.

"I think that the younger generation can really make a difference this year if they all get out there and vote," says Kayleigh Blanchette, a senior at Masuk High School in Monroe.

By voting, teens not only fulfill their civic duty, but also have the chance to make a difference in their country.

"I think it's important for people to register to vote. It seems that everyone has something to say about what's going on in the world, but only the people who vote have a right to complain," says Lindsay Ancel, a junior at Foran High School in Milford.

Written by Pamela Ross of Fairfield, a junior at Hopkins School in New Haven.