October 28, 2024 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
With the November 2024 elections close approaching on the 5th, many citizens 18 years of age and older who are registered voters are anxiously awaiting its results. As the presidential election is taking the stage on this year’s ballot, it is not the only election happening, however. The U.S. Senate and all 435 state House seats are up for grabs this year too. “Although the Presidential election gets the most publicity, all elections are important. But I think it is very important for voters to vote in local elections, because there are less voters, and this is where your vote can have a greater impact on the outcome” Participation in Government teacher at Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) Mr. Terry Jones commented.
While the president is arguably the most influential (and often divisive) position in the U.S. Government, the statewide and even county positions are also essential to a well-rounded and organized country. The more location-specific positions and lawmakers like governors, mayors, representatives and senators can provide more individualized laws and regulations for the area that you live in. District 20’s (Saratoga County) Congress Representative candidates this election are current Rep. Paul Tonko (Democrat), and Republican Kevin Waltz. The State Senator candidates for New York (District 44) are current senator James Tedisco (republican) and democrat Minita Sanghivi.
From school budget/board elections to races for local and state offices, all the way up to US Senators and the President, it’s important to vote in every election. US History and Government teacher at SSHS Mr. David Brown expressed a similar point of view to Jones on this matter, sharing, “I feel a responsibility to share my view on issues, and our democracy doesn’t ask that much of me- just that I speak out through my vote every so often. It’s my opportunity to have a voice and hold my representatives accountable”. I encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to register and show up at their nearest voting location so they can contribute to every one of the elections being held in the next few weeks.
The voting system has grown and changed a lot over the many years of government that the U.S has had elections. Rather than by word or paper ticket placed in a box, our country now has a scantron-like style method of bubbling in the candidate you choose to elect for each race. Registered voters choose a candidate they want to elect, along with voting either “Yes” or “No” to that year’s chosen proposal on the back of the ballot. Your ballot is then inserted into a machine that counts your vote and sends it to your local bipartisan board of election who reports it to the state to get tallied. This style and system of voting is also used in May for Saratoga School Budget and Board of Education elections.
Voting itself is somewhat simple, but understanding where your votes go isn’t always easy to grasp. There are two sections of the vice-presidential and presidential elections: the popular vote and the electoral college. The popular vote is the simple majority and one to one count of votes in the country. Every person has an equal effect on the outcome. On the other hand, in the electoral college, each state and Washington D.C. is given a certain number of electoral votes, depending on their number of Representatives in Congress, and these are based on the state’s population. The smallest number of electoral votes a state can have is three, while right now, California holds the most with 54. All the electoral votes in the country add up to 538, and a candidate needs to win at least 270 electoral votes to win the election. However, there have been a few times in history where the popular vote and electoral college have not matched up, making the system of the electoral college complicated, messy and sometimes controversial.
Voting is a great way to contribute to our country and government. “To me, the right to vote is our greatest civic liberty. There are people around the world who are still fighting for their right to vote in their countries and we often times take it for granted” shares Jones. And it’s true- the U.S. is so lucky to be a country where we all can vote, and voting is a voice in a country that is so big. Thinking about it from a historical perspective, election day is yes, a day where you can cast a vote for the future of the U.S., but it can also be a day to remember those who came before us, that were a part of the beginning process of this complex and very American system. “Maybe it’s the history nerd or Social Studies teacher in me, but I can’t help but think about the founding of the country especially when federal elections are involved. […] The right to vote provides a connection to our past. America’s Founders fought for the right to participate in their government back nearly 250 years ago” (Brown), we cannot take this for granted.
For young adults in SSHS who are eligible to vote, or will be soon, Jones encourages them to “look for the candidates who most closely share their views on issues that are important to them”. A voter should try and pick the candidate that best aligns with their views and provides the policies that most fit their ideals. “I ask my PIG [participation in government] class seniors to think about which candidates they feel will improve their lives in the next 4 years” he adds. This is important to think about not only if you are a voter for the first time, but also for every registered voter to think about when making their decision for who they want to represent them in the U.S. Government. “By being able to vote, we get to engage in a discourse with each other to hopefully promote progress and betterment within our community” Brown said.
As a young person getting ready to vote next time there is a presidential election, I agree with fellow SSHS student and senior Gabby Wolpert when she says, “I am looking for someone who cares about every American as it ensures that all of our diverse voices will be heard to help create a better future.” By keeping yourself updated with national and global news, and what our politicians believe in, you will be preparing yourself to make the decision on your ballot that you not only think is best for you, but for our country and everyone in it. Staying updated and informed on policies will give you the best education on the candidates running for office.
Regarding the Harris/Trump race, voting in this election is extremely important, as there are two very different ideas and policies being represented as these two candidates race to stand behind the presidential seal. No matter what party you vote for, it is important to exercise your right to vote. Being able to vote is an important part of our democracy as a country and “we don’t see change happen unless we vote for it” said 10 Reasons to Vote in Tuesday’s Election | ACLU Delaware. Every single vote matters especially in a tight race such as this presidential election, where even one vote could shake up the election results.
With big topics in mind, voting can be controversial to talk about with friends and difficult to navigate around in the classroom, but, the great part about the U.S is that YOU have the choice at the end of the day, and the outcome of these elections is in the hands of the people, so it is your responsibility to get out and VOTE!
(Early Voting started on Saturday, and you can continue to vote early up until November 3: details can be found here- Board of Elections – County of Saratoga, New York )
source: Saratoga County website
source: Google