As the United States political climate becomes increasingly more difficult to navigate, California’s special election on Nov. 4th swiftly approaches.
This special election (an election held outside the normal election dates to address a pressing issue) is focused on the ballot proposition 50. Prop 50 would create the opportunity for California to redraw its voting districts before the 2030 US Census requires it. This proposition was made in response to Texas redrawing their voting districts in an effort to put Republicans into more state government positions.
Students can play an important role not only in special elections, but every election that comes onto our calendar.
Ms. Malina, one of Hamilton’s US History teachers was asked about her views on student voting and how she helps Hami students be more aware of the power of their vote. “I’m encouraging [students to vote] through what I teach in history,” she says. “The way to encourage them is to talk about how this has not always been a right given or protected to people, so it is up to us to get out the vote.”
She further expanded on her thoughts about students feelings towards the voting process. “There are students … who are feeling numb to things going on in our country and therefore I feel are discouraged from political participation,” she states.
When reflecting on voting, Humanities seniors Natasha Werth and Livia Hanien expressed concerns about how their voices will be heard when casting their ballots. “I believe [voting] is an essential part of our democracy,” Natasha states.
However, she still has some reservations surrounding the issue. “I feel as though…the two party system has become so drastic,” she says. “It’s a constant fight between the slight majority of people in this country that do not care about other peoples lives…and all the people that kinda care about everyone else.”
This feeling is echoed by Humanities junior Kadence Foster, especially as ICE raids continue to rock the Los Angeles immigrant community. “It hurts seeing other families get ripped apart, and it hurts me not being able to do much about it,” she says.
Students who feel compelled to take action can register to vote at Registertovote.ca.gov.
Nicholas Ting and Christian Saldana contributed to this article
