As the class of 2023 is nearing the end of their high school career and entering adulthood, many of the students are turning 18 within the next year. With the governor’s election being held in November, eligible seniors are deciding who they want to vote for the first time

According to the census taken from the 2020 presidential election, an astounding number of young individuals ranging between 18 – 24 years olds turned in their ballots. Their votes accumulated a whopping 51.5 percent  of young voter turnout, an unexpected occurrence due to the challenging, overwhelming nature of first-time voting and stigma around voting. The stigma about voting for newly eligible voters is the lack of representation and individual values in the community. However, Joshua Hsuan, an 18-year-old senior, plans on participating in the upcoming election. 

“I think it’s important to be involved in the community and to have a voice,” said Hsuan. “Voting gives people the opportunity to express their ideals and values.”

To Hsuan, a good candidate for governor would have the ability to give their voters the utmost confidence in their ability to do their job efficiently. This would include keeping the promises they made to voters during their campaign trail and continuing to promote the values that they were voted in for.

“In a candidate, I look for family ideals, also a person that is very strong minded and has strong will,” said Hsuan.” I also look for someone who sticks to their own beliefs and doesn’t change just to get re-elected.”

Another senior that plans on voting is senior Ellen Mitchell. Mitchell believes that voting is one of the most important virtues someone can hold. To her, voting can make an important impact on the future of future generations. 

“I think voting is one of the most important things someone can do,” said Mitchell.

At first Mitchell had some hesitations against voting. One of her main fears was that her vote would not count or matter. At the time before voting, she had heard online that voting is useless in the modern world. However, after doing research herself, she still decided to vote. 

“I heard a lot on Twitter that voting was pointless, so I felt that there was no use at one point,” said Mitchell. ,” said Mitchell. 

Although Hsuan plans on voting, many seniors still have hesitations and reservations for voting. Senior Andreas Jaua does not plan to not vote in the upcoming elections, although having received advice on voting. 

“I don’t plan on voting because I don’t feel like it’s the right time for me to vote at the moment,” said Jaua. “I also do not feel that I am ready or mature enough to vote. I think I still have some ‘growing up’ to do.”