In addition to preparing for graduation, most seniors are approaching another major milestone: their first opportunity to vote. To streamline this process, the senior class at Walt Whitman High School was invited to the annual Voter Registration Breakfast on April 23rd in the South Cafeteria.

 

Along with bagels and juice, every student received a voter registration form. By completing the paperwork during the event, students had immediate access to school administrators and representatives from the League of Women Voters and NAACP who could answer questions and resolve any issues.

 

In New York, 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register to vote. This ensures they are automatically registered upon turning 18, paving the way for greater student participation in future elections.

 

“Your voice is the most important thing you own,” Walt Whitman principal Dr. John Murphy told students. “There are parts of the world that don't have the ability that you have: the right to vote.  I talk to young adults who say, 'It doesn’t matter if I vote,' or 'If I miss one election, it’s not a big deal.' But as a history teacher, I think back to the people 250 years ago who fought for a voice. They wanted to express themselves and possess the rights that every human being deserves. Whether you think it’s a big deal or not, I’m telling you right now—as we approach our country’s 250th anniversary—it matters.”

 

Results of the 52nd Edition of the Harvard Youth Poll, which surveys 18-to-29 year olds nationwide, reveal a generation that is increasingly losing faith in the political system. Walt Whitman senior Aryaa Shah, who is majoring in Public Policy this fall and has interned with local politicians, believes events like the Voter Registration Breakfast are a unique opportunity for students to become more informed and involved.

 

“As American citizens, we have the ability to vote. That is a privilege many people take for granted, and we especially shouldn't right now. There’s a lot of worry, but the worry is less about what [young people] are seeing and more a feeling that ‘there’s nothing we can do.’ There is always something we can do, whether it’s making our voices heard, voting in elections, getting involved, talking to our peers, or speaking with our elected officials to make an impact. We are the leaders of tomorrow, and this event is one step in that direction,” said Aryaa.

 

As co-chair of the Youth Committee of the League of Women Voters of Huntington, Deborah Cosher regularly speaks to Long Island high school and college students about the importance of voting. She tells students their vote is their voice for their future, and their voice is powerful.  But it’s only powerful if they use it, especially in their own community.  “A lot of young people feel that voting is only about the President—someone who feels very far away,” explained Cosher. “But voting in your own town for the things you want—like cleaner parks, more basketball courts, or additional stop signs—impacts your daily life directly. The other thing we emphasize is that elected officials work for you. You shouldn't be afraid to reach out to them.”

 

Thank you to the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for participating in this important event for our seniors every year!
 

Log onto vote411.org here for answers about voter registration or voting in general.  

 

 

Principal John Murphy spoke to students about democracy and how far we’ve come as we approach the country’s 250^th anniversary. 

 

 

Betty Miller from the NAACP emphasized the importance of young people using their voice to make lasting change. 

 

 

Special shout out and thank you to our South Huntington School Nutrition Services for breakfast!

 

 

Thank you to the volunteers and representatives from the League of Women Voters and NAACP who helped register our students!