Photo by Eleanor Day

Political Activism Club members handle registration table.

Tanvi Shah ‘25

FEATURES EDITOR

As the presidential election nears, voters all around the country are preparing to send in their ballots. In the high school, the upcoming election has intensified the political scene. As a result, the Political Activism Club, the only politics-related organization at the school, took charge by hosting a voter registration drive. This drive allowed students aged 18 or older to register for the upcoming election, assigning them a polling place to cast their ballot in November. This initiative not only increases voter turnout among eligible students, but also creates a stronger culture of civic engagement within the school community.

The drive was held during the first week of October in the Cyber Cafe and was operated by members of the Political Activism Club who guided students through the quick and simple registration process. Senior Deepti Halthore, the president of the club, describes that her goal with this campaign was to “encourage students to use their voice on the ballot, no matter their political beliefs.” She explains that it is the civic duty of eligible voters to register and make use of their right to vote, especially in the current political climate.

She, along with her club members, encouraged students to make an informed decision regarding their candidate selection and not randomly choose a candidate, ultimately prompting thoughtful engagement with the democratic process.

While some registered students were simply enticed by the sweet treats and stickers offered by the club, other students were motivated by a desire to influence the political decisions that impact their daily lives. One registered student, senior Eleanor Day, commented, “Registering to vote was much easier than I thought, and I can now use my vote to play an active role in my community.” This sentiment was shared by many other students who left the drive with more knowledge about their civic responsibilities and a newfound eagerness to use their vote to make a difference.

Since not many high school students are 18 during this time of the school year, Halthore expressed an interest in organizing another drive in the Spring of 2025 for the primary election. In a primary election, voters choose the politicians they want to represent their parties for the November general election.

For this spring registration drive, Halthore hopes to have more eligible youth voters be registered because she believes that, “voting at an early age often leads to a life-long involvement in the local [political] community.”

This registration drive exemplifies the power that every citizen, no matter their age, has in the democratic process. Whether it is volunteering for a campaign, distributing informational flyers, or actively using their vote, every individual has the ability to enact change.