OliviaSullivan

The upcoming election on Nov. 3, 2020 will be the first election current Marian students will be eligible to vote. It is also a presidential election.      

“Absolutely it’s important to vote. Your first election is the one where you set the habit for yourself. When you vote when you are 18, 19 or 20, you are more likely to be a lifelong voter,” Mrs. Jillian Roger, social studies teacher and moderator of Young Politicians Club, said. 

Roger offers advice to juniors and seniors, “Get yourself involved. Pay attention to the news; pay attention to candidates that are running. Look at sample ballots. Educate yourself and then make the time to go and do it,” Roger said. 

Registering to vote in Nebraska is offered a few different ways. There is an option to fill out a form at the Department of Motor Vehicles when receiving a driver’s license or electronically. “It’s pretty painless,” Roger said. 

“You’re paying taxes. You are driving on roads. You are taking out loans for college. All of that stuff is decided by elected officials,” Roger said. 

“I think it’s really important for everyone to take an active role in their community,” junior Eva Watson said. She is already registered to vote. Even though she is not currently 18, she will be by the general election. 

“I am staying up to date on news and periodically check in on the viewpoints of each candidate in order to vote the most informed way possible,” Watson said. 

Like Roger, Watson encourages others to go out and vote. “We have a privilege that a lot of other people don’t have,” Watson said.