Election season brings excitement and hope along with high tensions, and Wheeling Park students have a variety of opinions and views that are important to them including Women’s Rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and prices for college. Students should be comfortable discussing these topics openly; political discussions should not be seen as polarizing, but they should be seen as a way to further enrich student’s political understanding. With election tension running high, it is important to highlight what this election means to students, and discuss how to avoid divisiveness.
“Many of the issues in these elections are very important to students and they should be aware of where the candidate stands on taxes, student loans, inflation, and social issues. These issues will directly affect everyone,” said Mr. Stanton.
Reproductive rights is a topic that intrigues students. The reversal of Roe v. Wade, in June of 2022, brought many questions and concerns about reproductive rights. With the federal right to an abortion being terminated and decision of the matter going to the states, many states have made abortions illegal including West Virginia. This has been an incredibly controversial decision with many arguing that states should not have power over a woman’s body. Abortion, a women’s right to choose, and the extent of that right will be pivotal factors for many people this election, and they are topics that students should stay up to date with. Along with reproductive rights , the rights of members of the LGBTQIA+ is a topic that students are passionate about.
” Women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ rights are most important to me. With reversal of Roe v. Wade, there are questions about what other rights may be brought to the states,” said senior, Will Fuller.
Many senior students are preparing for college, and they are concerned about the price of supplies and college itself. With the economy still recovering from the pandemic and present geopolitical conflicts, inflation has been high. Seniors not only have to think about the high cost of college, but they also have to consider the cost of school supplies, groceries, and other necessities. This is why students should be aware of how candidates plan to deal with inflation and student loans.
“This election is important to me because it decides what my finances are going to look like for college. I am worried about student loans and the cost of living in general. Interest rates are high, the cost of goods has gone up, and gas is expensive,” said senior, Alden Stauver.
Students above all else are looking for a leader that can relate to them, and a candidate who truly has a clear solution to conflicts the country is facing. The biggest concern for young people right now is the high price of living, and the ability to afford necessity when out of highschool. Students want a leader who plans to respond to these issues, rather than point fingers and devise distractions.
“Something that is important to me in this election is the right choice of leader. A leader that is going to be responsible, care for citizens, and improve issues that we face in the United States, such as high taxes, gas prices, and other problems that are upsetting citizens,” said sophomore Khadija Rizwan.
Politics can be overwhelming and sensitive, and many students are disinterested or do not feel comfortable discussing their views. Although it can be difficult to keep up with the seemingly constant conflicts, it is important that students stay up to date with current political events.
“I think it’s a great idea to start thinking about politically where you stand in high school so that way when you’re eighteen and can register to vote and start participating… you have a general idea of your ideology and political parties,” said Mr. Stanton.
A major factor that tends to turn students away from politics is how divisive it can become. Even in a school of so many opposing and passionate views, like Park, it is possible to discuss politics without inciting division.
“ I think it’s important to pay attention and stay educated about politics, but I don’t like to discuss them publicly; they incite arguments that can sometimes get out of hand,” said , senior, Sam Kiger.
There is also a feeling among students that politics are naturally polarizing.
“I do not think politics are important. I think politics are in this country to divide us,” said senior, Wyatt Wheeler.
Politics should be seen as something that can bring people from different sides of the spectrum together to decide what is best collectively. Especially during elections, it can be hard to find a balance between argument and discussion. In political discussions, it is important to keep an open mind and respect others opinions. Rather than completely disregarding opposing views, try to understand them. Students should take advantage of Park’s wide diversity of political opinions and use it as an opportunity to participate in open-minded discussions. Listening to and analyzing opposing views not only prevents fiery arguments, but it also broadens students’ understanding of that topic.
” It depends on the maturity levels of the people around. If the person can be respectful and mature about the other person’s opinions, it is okay. I feel like at school it is better safe than sorry, and some students cannot be respectful of others opinions,” said Khadija Rizwan.
Students should be aware of misinformation and politicians bending the truth. Misinformation is dangerous and is unfortunately something certain politicians will use as a tool to manipulate and divide voters . It is important to question candidates along with their political parties, and students should research candidates’ claims along with being aware of their policies. Ignorance along with lack of knowledge further exacerbate the dangers of misinformation. Ignorance is not always intentional; it usually stems from misunderstanding. This is why discussions are vital to political awareness and understanding. Educational based political discussions allow people to avoid ignorance and collectively come to a respected consensus.
“I believe communicating ideas is the best way to achieve a goal that fits everyone’s needs,” said, senior, Alden Stauver.
Although political discussions are vital to understanding politics, they are purposeless if students, who are able, do not take advantage of their right to vote.
“Even if you think your vote does not count, you should still exercise the voice you have in this country… and there are also a lot of local elections where your vote could actually make a difference,” said Mr. Stanton.
To register to vote or check your registration status go to https://www.vote.org/ The deadline is October 15. Election day is November 5th, 2024 and all Ohio County Schools will be closed in observation.
