Texas bills and campaigns are changing faster than local teens feel confident keeping up with. Seniors who turned 18 before Oct. 7 are able to vote in the presidential election this November. The school has provided opportunities for students to register to vote and ask questions about poll sites.
The primary concern voiced by seniors is confusion toward the election due to poor news clarity. With social media on the rise, students have started seeking out news on popular platforms, like Tiktok, Instagram and X, rather than using other reliable online or physical sources.
“I usually get my information from the radio, I listen to NPR on the way to school,” Edith Lujan said. “Honestly, I get a lot of information from Instagram and TikTok, which is kind of embarrassing, but it provides a lot of information.”
Voters feel as though they are under-educated on the issues and policies currently presented. While some students have the time to do research, this isn’t feasible for all students, leaving a gap in policy knowledge among voters.
“I feel like I’m not educated enough on the border issues and how our policies can affect things internationally,” Catelyn Ford said.
Seniors also feel unsure of how to access enough information on the candidates.
“I don’t feel educated, but I know the candidates and what’s at stake,” Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Dorko said. “I think, honestly, [campaigns] need to make it easier for teenagers to be able to access all of the candidates and what they want, because especially for local voting it’s really hard to figure out what they want unless you have the time to see what the candidates are offering.”
In addition to the confusion on candidate information, new voters feel unsure of the registration procedures and availability.
“I’m registered to vote, but beforehand I was not educated on how to do that,” Lujan said. “I had to go in and fill it out [in-person]. I kind of wish I could’ve done it online but I just didn’t know how to.”
After similar concerns were voiced by other students, the school has used class time in AP government and economics to give students the opportunity to register to vote with direct instruction and assistance. Students concerned about registering or the voting process itself are now able to speak to administrators who will provide the clarification students need. In addition, voter guides from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Texas are located in the office for interested students.
Despite uncertainty, seniors recognize the opportunity to vote as something to look forward to.
“I’m kind of excited, it’s an opportunity,” Lujan said.
