by Eduardo Calderon|Staff Writer
Turning 18 years old is a milestone in a person’s life. The country no longer views the citizen as a minor, and instead allows them to voice their opinion in the political field. Voting is a protected right under the constitution that any citizen of the United States, 18 or older, can use so they have a chance to influence the choice of leaders in a democratic society.
“Every vote counts,” senior Robert Hill said.
Registering to vote is a simple process that allows a choice in the way citizens are represented.
“Go to the website, and you fill out [an application] on basic information,” senior Sean Encino said, “Like your social security number, birthdate. Basically you’re giving proof that you exist. Then you mail it to the specified address.”
The voting application is available via web at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml, while the County Voter Registrar’s address is 203 W. Nueva, Suite 3.61, all that is needed is the Voter’s card.
“You wait for election season for it to come in, along with everyone else’s,” Encino said.
Voting is a privilege, that is guaranteed in a democracy, but there are a few that do not want to choose between two candidates.
“I do think it’s important to have your voice heard,” substitute History teacher Cherald Kocurek said, “[But] your choices are limited when the right person is not running.”
There are a few citizens that have their own particular reason not to vote.
“Some have heard you might sign up for jury duty and the draft. It’s a lame excuse not to sign up and vote because the youth can affect the world better than those [that] are ancient,” Kocurek said.
Although not everyone chooses to vote, it is necessary to know where the country is being lead to.
“Right now, the country and the [election] are like a train, heading fast to wherever it’s going and not slowing down,” Encino said, “It’s the best interest of everybody to know where that train is going so they’ll like their position down the line when it gets there.”
