Students were asked why they think some eligible voters choose not to vote. Here is what they said:
“The amount of lies being spread”
“They depend on others”
“They don’t agree with candidates’ views”
“They don’t have en
“They don’t think their one vote will make a difference” “They think their vote will mean nothing” “They forgot”
VOTER A “They have not done their research”
“They don’t want to help either side out” “They are scared of the backlash”
T
he 2020 election was a recordbreaking year for voter turnout, with 66.3% of eligible voters participating, compared to 60.1% in 2016, according to the Washington Post. Of 213 students polled, 85.4% were not eligible to vote, but of those eligible, over half claimed they had intentions to vote. While the percentage of voter apathy within our school was low, the state of Arkansas came in second to last for voter turnout, with only 56.1% of the eligible voting population participating. Regardless of the state statistics, many students were more than willing to voice their opinion and vote in their first election. Senior Zak Jones feels that everyone has a duty to make their input heard. “I voted because I’m growing up in this country, and I want to have a say,” Jones said. “It’s very important to give your input, even if you don’t always get your way.” Jones believed that a Biden presidency would mean a failing economy, so
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local | Feb 2020
Jones voiced his support for Trump and voted with confidence in his opinion. “I voted for Trump, because I was worried if a Democratic economic plan destroys the economy, people may stop caring about human rights and focus on economic stability,” Jones said. “There will be more equality [while Biden is in office], but it will be paired with a failing economy. No one will care about equality when the money is disrupted.” Jones also notes the importance of youth voting for the future that they want to see. “Possibly, the most important [thing] is just to get the ball rolling,” Jones said. “If you don’t vote this year, it’s easier to justify not voting next year. The youth are the ones who have to deal with all the really long term effects of a president. Old people vote, but they already have a life and safety net, so to speak. Youth are about to take out loans and build their life, so they have to make sure they’re helping to build the tomorrow they want.” Senior Brodie Horton, also a Trump
“They are lazy”
“They are unsure of who supporter, agrees that voting is necessary for everyone, for both the experience and its impact. “I’ve always been interested in politics, and voting is a part of the democratic process, so I voted,” Horton said.
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“If you don’t vote this year, it’s easier to justify not voting next year. The youth are the ones who have to deal with all the really long term effects of a president.”
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“I think it’s a cool experience and one everyone should [get to] have.” Horton considers voting a privilege and encourages people, especially
