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The 2020 election broke records, with both Joe Biden and Donald Trump receiving more votes than previous record-holder Barack Obama, who got 69.5 million in 2008. Currently, Biden has 78 million, and Trump has 73 million. So, with such a high turnout rate, does that include Encinal students who were eligible to vote?
Usually, young voters are the smallest percentage of total voters, with people ages 18-24 never reaching the 50% mark between the years 1976 to 2018, according to a U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. But yes, there were Seniors at Encinal who voted for the first time in the 2020 election. Although some feel as if their vote doesn’t matter, there were eligible student voters who choose to see things differently.
When asked about why he cared about voting, Lorenzo Verduzco Ramirez stated, “ … we are being racial profiled by officers who should be protecting us and we have a president who doesn’t want to do anything about it.”
Ramirez is referring to the long-lasting problem of police racial profiling and brutality, which he has been protesting against in local Black Lives Matter protests. With the lack of aid Trump has provided, Ramirez feels like it’s his responsibility to use his vote and voice for change.
Some students are only able to use their voices right now, but activism isn’t any less valuable than voting. Nairobi Taylor, a 10th-grade youth activist, gave her take on the importance of voting.
“People should care about this year's election due to it being a grand moment in history - we have our first female, African-American vice president, as a black teenager, this is quite inspiring… This election should show people that their voice does matter - your vote counts! For the youth, I think that it is important to educate ourselves in regards to politics, and ensure that we are paying attention to different world issues even when we may not be old enough to vote.”
Although Taylor wasn’t able to vote, she understands the importance of it and encourages others to vote by using her voice. Taylor is heavily involved in the Youth Activist of Alameda, helping plan and attend events, but it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
“Due to the pandemic, we have to be careful in regards to any events we plan that are not on Zoom, and must keep in mind that things are actively changing. However, I feel that we are in the midst of a cultural revolution, and am proud to be a youth activist in spite of the struggles that come along with being one due to our current predicament. We are working hard to ensure that the future is a better place, and to ensure that our demands are met. I'm glad to give citizens of Alameda the youth perspective, as I feel that our voices are oftentimes ignored,” Taylor stated.
With the current pandemic, activists face an added struggle other than feeling unheard. Luckily, people like Taylor carefully consider and plan to try to keep everyone safe.
According to a CIRCLE survey, “83% say they believe young people have the power to change the country, 60% feel like they’re part of a movement that will vote to express its views, and 79% of young people say the COVID-19 pandemic has helped them realize that politics impact their everyday lives.”
The youth across the country, including Encinal students, are getting more involved in politics than ever before, making this year’s election and political state very interesting. Coincidentally, could this lead the next election to be even bigger?
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