“I firmly believe that it’s not just a right, but a responsibility, too.”
This is what Spring Lake High School Media Specialist Laurie Draeger had to say about participating in democracy by casting your vote. The general election approaches on November 5, which will decide the presidency and a host of other Ottawa County and Michigan positions and initiatives.
As of Sept. 25, only five students out of many newly-eligible voters had registered, according to Draeger. She is offering a Senior Service Hour credit to students who bring in proof they have registered by Election Day.
Brody Bench is a senior who registered to vote at 17.5 years old, which is the minimum age to register in Michigan. It won’t be Bench’s first time voting as he has already participated in Michigan’s Primary election on Aug. 6.
“I am excited to be a part of the political process and vote in a critical swing state where every vote counts for the presidential election,” Bench said.
Senior and National Honors Society President Eddie Brown also registered, and will vote for the first time in November.
“I firmly believe that voting is a fundamental right that allows every citizen to have a say in how our government operates,” Brown said. “It is the most accessible means to contribute to positive change within our country.”
Not all politically engaged students are able to vote this year. Senior Gabe Gardner just missed the cutoff.
“To be too young to vote in this election is like being a mug of decaf coffee,” he said. “I may still be drinking coffee, but I have none of the power.
“Being able to vote this year is a privilege that not everyone has the luxury to expend. Use it carefully. Many people say that their single vote won’t count. With that attitude, nothing you do will count.”
Registering to vote is a quick and simple process that only takes a few minutes, but leaves a lasting impact. You can register to vote online, by mail and in person at your municipal office – whether the Village of Spring Lake, Spring Lake Township, Crockery Township, or another municipality. The deadline to register online and by mail is October 21, and the deadline to register in person is November 5th, which is also the national election day.
Draeger said voting is bigger than the presidential race and political parties.
“I believe everybody gets to have a voice, and it’s not just somebody who’s 70 years old, it’s not just somebody who’s a parent, it’s not just somebody who’s been in politics,” she said. “I think that everybody’s perspective is important, and so I want every person who has a chance to go take advantage of it.”