Welcome to the first digital edition of Purple Press @ CHS

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The Power Of Your Voice: Why Voting Matters

By: Makai Nordgren, Former Editor-In-Chief

As you approach the age when you’ll be eligible to vote, you might start hearing a lot about voting. But what is it that makes voting such a big deal? How does it impact you? And why should you care, especially now, when voting might still feel like it’s a long way off? 

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. It’s a way for citizens to have a say in the government’s decisions, from major national policies to local issues that shape our communities. Let’s dive into why voting is not only a right but also a powerful responsibility—and why it’s essential for young people, like you, to stay informed and engaged.

The Significance of Voting

Voting is one of the most direct ways for people to make their voices heard in a democratic society. When you vote, you’re participating in the selection of leaders who make decisions on issues ranging from education and healthcare to the environment and economic policies. Each decision these leaders make affects your daily life in some way.

For instance, have you ever noticed the amount of funding your school receives, or how some schools have more resources than others? Decisions about funding for public schools are influenced by elected officials at both local and national levels. Similarly, issues like the minimum wage, healthcare access, and environmental regulations are impacted by government officials. Voting is how you can ensure your views on these issues are represented.

According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), young people aged 18-24 often have lower voter turnout rates than other age groups. "Voter turnout" refers to the percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes in an election. When fewer young people vote, the policies and politicians elected may not fully represent the issues that matter most to them. 

How Voting Impacts Government Decisions

Every vote counts, but what do we mean by that? For example, in the United States, the presidential election includes a unique system called the Electoral College. This system involves electors from each state who ultimately decide the president based on the votes in their states. While the popular vote—the total number of votes cast by all voters nationwide—matters, the Electoral College system means each state has a role in determining the outcome. Even though this system can feel complex, understanding how it works underscores the importance of voting, especially in closely contested states.

It’s also important to remember that voting impacts more than just presidential elections. State and local elections decide leaders who make key decisions that directly affect your community. Mayors, city council members, school board members, and governors all hold positions that influence everything from local infrastructure to public school policies. By voting in these elections, you help shape the future of your town, city, and state.

Why Young People’s Voices Matter

As a young person, your vote has unique power. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently over 25 million young people aged 18-24 in the United States. Imagine if even half of these young adults voted regularly; they could shape the outcomes of elections significantly. Young voters bring fresh perspectives to issues, often caring deeply about topics like climate change, education, and social justice. When young people vote, it encourages politicians to address these issues more attentively.

Research has shown that people who start voting at a young age are more likely to keep voting throughout their lives. By voting, young adults can set trends that promote greater civic participation across generations. Engaging early means establishing a lifelong habit of active citizenship.

Staying Informed and Making Choices

Staying informed is essential to making the best decisions when voting. You might hear a lot about prominent political figures, like Vice President Kamala Harris. Researching leaders and their views on various issues can help you understand the different perspectives and policies shaping our country. 

When looking at candidates, take the time to explore reliable sources. Websites like Ballotpedia.org and FactCheck.org are valuable resources for unbiased information about candidates and their positions. Social media can also be a great way to stay updated, but be cautious of misinformation and always check the credibility of your sources.

How to Get Involved Now

Even if you’re not yet old enough to vote, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Consider attending local city council meetings, or joining organizations that focus on issues you care about, such as climate action or education reform. Some high schools even offer student government programs that can give you hands-on experience with civic responsibility. By engaging now, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions when you reach voting age.

Another way to prepare is by discussing current events with friends, family, or teachers. These conversations help you develop a well-rounded perspective on important issues and encourage a habit of critical thinking. You can also look up youth voter organizations, such as Rock the Vote, that focus on educating young people about their voting rights and responsibilities.

Voting as a Meaningful and Accessible Civic Duty

At its core, voting is about making sure that your beliefs and needs are part of the decision-making process. While it might feel like one vote won’t make a difference, elections are often decided by slim margins. Just think of the 2000 U.S. presidential election, where the results in Florida were so close that it came down to a difference of just a few hundred votes. The outcome ultimately impacted national policy for years to come, proving that every vote truly does matter.

Voting may seem like a simple act, but it carries deep significance. As you prepare to become eligible, remember that voting is a way to shape the world you want to live in. By staying informed, researching candidates, and discussing issues that matter, you can help ensure that your vote reflects your values. Let voting be more than just a task—it’s a way to be actively involved in creating a future you believe in.

Sources:

1. CIRCLE (Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement), https://circle.tufts.edu/ 

2. U.S. Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/ 

3. Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/ 

4. FactCheck.org, https://www.factcheck.org/ 

Who Would I Vote For 2024

By: David Woods, Former Editor-in-Chief of the Purple Press @ CHS

On September 10th of this year, there was a presidential debate between our two running candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. As Trump's political landscape evolves, his policy of Project 2025 is questioned by his opponent, Vice President Harris, who is against its provocative policies, like eliminating the Department of Education and overhauling the Federal Civil Service. As an undecided voter myself, we are going to be diving into this debate, viewing both political parties and what they offer for this country,

During the debate of September 10th, between Former President, Donald Trump and Vice President, Kamala Harris, the voter was left with many questions to consider.  While Trump emphasized the accomplishments of his previous administration, particularly his tax cuts policies, deregulation and energy independence, as his main driving points of economic growth for the country, what he was trying to paint was an optimistic vision of economic recovery. He was trying to argue that returning to these policies would address the challenges the nation is currently facing, like high inflation. Harris countered by advocating her policies for reducing inflation, bolstering women's abortion rights, revamping the immigration system, and healthcare reforms. She also highlighted the social divisions during Trump's presidency and advocated for a more inclusive approach to leadership. For the uninformed viewer looking into these issues, Harris has planned for the future, while Trump has not really elaborated with any depth on all these issues, but nevertheless promises he has a plan for the future.

Recent ideas supported by Donald Trump for Project 2025, which is an initiative introduced by the Republican National Committee that outlines a vision for a conservative agenda, this Project proposes budget cuts from Federal spending, eliminating regulations in industries like energy and finance, and finally prioritizing tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. Harris has argued that this would undermine crucial advancements in healthcare access for everyone, protection of the environment, and social justice programs. From Harris’s perspective, this reflects a vision that favors the interests of the powerful over the needs of the people. In her defense, she is positioning herself with the Biden administration’s policies aimed at a fairer economy and protecting fundamental rights, and using this to directly challenge Project 2025. Seems like a fair move to help prevent what is looking like a major overhaul when going through all the policies of Project 2025.

In this divided political atmosphere, voters who are still undecided are now facing a difficult decision. Trump's ability to gain an advantage with promises of economic revitalization may resonate strongly with the American people, but his legal entanglements create significant hurdles. As the campaigns progress, voters must wait for the potential risk and rewards for supporting a candidate whose legal challenges could overshadow his policies. Choosing a candidate who has very clearly shown a willingness to go outside of traditional norms for a candidate’s character must be carefully considered. Do we really want a former President with a criminal record in office is the true question we should be asking.

Ultimately, the decision to support Trump or any other candidate at this point during this election has brought on many legal complexities. People now have to navigate a landscape filled with bold promises, the weight of unresolved controversies, and criminal histories. As the election draws closer and closer to an end, the people of this country must reflect not only on the immediate impact of policies but also end goal implications for the nation and its historical integrity. In a decision between trust and accountability, hopefully both candidates' approach to the issues may be brought into focus for the more undecided voter to make their final decision.

Resources:

https://people.com/donald-trump-every-criminal-charge-explained-7567024 - List of charges on record

Purple Press is a publication vehicle for student expression.

The school board encourages students to express their views in school-sponsored publications and to observe rules for responsible journalism. This means expression that falls into any of the following categories shall not be permitted: any expression which is false or obscene, libelous, slanderous, or defamatory under state law, which presents a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts, violation of school rules or materials and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or which violates the privacy rights of others.

Student editors of school-sponsored publications are responsible for determining the news, opinion, and advertising content of the publication. The publication's advisor is responsible for supervising the production of the publication and for teaching and encouraging free responsible expression and professional standards of journalism.

The views expressed in the Purple Press are not necessarily those of Clovis High School or the Clovis Municipal School Board of Education.

Advisor: Augustine Martinez

Editor-in-chief - Lukas Stephens

Design Editor: Lukas Stephens

Editor: Natalie Jennings

Staff writers: King Lucero, Elena Rodriguez, Mary Jane Rodriguez.