Young Democrats Club promotes voter education
Newly formed Young Democrats meet to discuss voter education
Senior Jack Benkleman engages in a conversation regarding the club’s plans for Trunk or Treat, as well as fundraising ideas. Young Dems gives members of the student body a chance to share their opinions and join in political oriented discussions.
Students this year are more involved in politics than ever before. The Young Democrats Club gives them the opportunity to discuss local and national elections, as well as contemporary issues such as climate change. Senior Charles Johnson, a club officer, anticipates the club being far different from last year.
“We’ve got a new sponsor and it’s kind of a different structure than years past,” Johnson said. “So we still haven’t made all the decisions about what we’re going to be doing throughout the year.”
Johnson, along with the other officers, will be defining the structure of the club within the next couple of weeks. Its association with a new organization this year—the High School Democrats of America—gives officers freedom when planning future meetings.
“We’ve only had about two or three meetings so far, so we’re more interested in learning about the presidential candidates,” junior Yoav Gillath said.
Young Democrats sponsor Jeffery Morrison shares an idea with the group during a discussion about the upcoming election. Morrison is a gifted facilitator at the school.
Along with these changes, special education teacher Jeffrey Morrison became the new club sponsor. Morrison’s primary goal is to inform and discuss voting with club members.
“I believe that educating oneself as a voter is a civic duty, regardless of political party affiliation,” said Morrison.
Currently, the club is discussing the upcoming presidential election and the candidates’ policies.
“We’re all at that kind of age where we’re getting ready to vote, so it’s important to know who your candidates are,” junior Amy Mai said.
Senior Laila Robinson smiles as another club member shares an idea. Many of the Young Dems meetings are discussion-oriented, giving students a chance to share their ideas and opinions.
With voting coming up, members find it important for new voters to be educated on potential candidates and their values. Mai’s involvement in politics goes beyond the club, as voting is especially important to her and her family.
“My parents aren’t citizens and they’re not able to vote,” Mai said. “But I am a citizen of the U.S., so I am able to vote. I think it is important because I get to be the first person in my family to vote.”
Gillath’s priorities for the club center around political activism. By advocating for his beliefs, he hopes to impact the community by keeping students and staff informed and able to make meaningful decisions inside the voting booth.
Senior John Loos and junior Yoav Gillath, both club officers, take a poll at the club’s most recent meeting. Discussion was centered around the upcoming presidential election and plans for Trunk or Treat.
“It’s important to learn about where everybody stands on issues that are important to us, and maybe to stand up and make a change in the world,” Gillath said.
Even though each member is a part of the club for a different reason, they all
agree that voting is an important topic to get involved in. They feel voter education is vital to students and staff preparing to submit ballots.
“Because this club is important to so many students, I want to support them in exploring their rights and responsibilities as a voter,” said Morrison.
