NORFOLK, Virginia, U.S.A. — As the end of the school year gets closer and closer, many seniors are excited at the idea of going to prom and casting their ballots for the next Prom Queen and King.
As millions of students across this country stand in line to vote for individuals who will have the honors and bragging rights of representing their class for no more than a few months, one wonders why these same teens won’t stand to vote for those who will represent them for at least four years.
Yes, you guessed it, these individuals seeking to lead for the next four years are candidates for president in 2004.
Although many may feel that they are voting between the “lesser of two evils” when it comes to presidential elections, voting for a president is like any other important decision.
There may be no perfect choice, but the there is an effective tactic for those who lack the time to explore the opinions of each candidate individually — recognizing the ideological views that stand out can foster a well-educated decision.
These verdicts can be driven by anything from “No Child Left Behind,” and the importance of education, to factors such as equal rights, immigration and taxes. Resources such as “Rock the Vote,” founded in 1990 to support young American voters, and MTV’s campaign to “Choose or Lose” can provide information for young adults who don’t know quite where to start.
Recent events have proven that sometimes it takes a tragedy to let citizens realize that they unintentionally take their freedoms for granted.
The current state of patriotism and pride that has filled the hearts of so many Americans, swelling their appreciation for democracy, brings hope that many youths will embark upon a new “spirit week” by taking a stand, not just in their schools and communities, but in their nation.
Andrea Easter is a Reporter for Youth Journalism International.
