Teaching High School Seniors the Significance of Voting
Posted on October 18, 2007
Some students didn’t know that until 1970, only those 21 and older were welcomed at the polls.
The League of Women Voters and Eastern Suffolk BOCES joined forces recently to present a program titled Vote 18 to high school seniors at the Islip Academic Center in Oakdale.
Vice President Judie Gorenstein of the Huntington chapter of the League stressed the significance of students casting their ballots and the long, tough road that led to all citizens being permitted to vote. Ms. Gorenstein is also voter service chairperson of the Suffolk County League of Women Voters. “Lets go back in time to when the Colonists won the war and wanted to have a say in how the government would be run,” she said, setting the stage for a dramatic presentation of the timeline that eventually allowed not only men of all races and religion to participate, but also women. After discussing the Civil War, the 15th amendment, and the Sufferage Movement, she told them, “Without a vote, you have no say, and how many of you want to hear that your opinion doesn’t matter?”
Some students didn’t know that until 1970, only those 21 and older were welcomed at the polls. That changed after the Viet Nam War, when the 26th amendment was adopted, lowering the voting age to 18. At the time, young people celebrated. But today, only one-third of those between the ages of 18 and 24 take the time to cast their vote. “And this is why, politicians don’t listen to your age bracket,” she continued. “Candidates seeking political office, and those who already hold it, listen to registered voters. That’s who matters. That’s why it’s important for you to fill out a voter registration form when you turn 18.”
To demonstrate, Ms. Gorenstein initiated a mock debate that focused on whether the draft should be reinstated. After a lively discussion that included numerous opinions, a mock election for U.S. president was held, and Melissa W. in the afternoon social studies class won by just one vote, driving home the point that every ballot does count.
A non-partisan political organization that encourages informed, active participation of citizens to promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable and responsive, the League visits schools across the county analyzing with teens the significance of voting.
As the class concluded, and joined by League member Donna Mears, Ms. Gorenstein distributed voter registration forms, which, said teachers Dawn McGay and John Bacherty, would be studied the following day.
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