Every four years, American citizens exercise their right to vote in the presidential election. More people voted in the 2020 election than in any other in over a century. Among them were several Spring-Ford Area High School seniors voting for their first time.

Voting allows citizens to have a say in the future of their nation. It allows them to voice their opinions, express their beliefs, and collectively elect a leader that will represent them. Spring-Ford’s seniors did exactly that.

Some of Spring-Ford’s voters felt that they should fulfill their duty as American citizens by voting in the election. 

“I felt as though it was my right as a citizen to vote,” senior Julia Gadsby said. 

However, it is not uncommon for first-time voters to display feelings of unease when choosing a leader of their country, especially when they disagree with their beliefs.

Gadsby, for example, expressed her concerns regarding taxes, “Taxes will be raised under Biden so I was nervous to vote for Biden for this reason.”

When a voter determines which candidate will receive their vote, several factors influence their decision. Environmental changes appear to be a significant determining component among some. 

“I picked Biden because of human rights and the environment,” stated Senior Isabella Fraz. 

This subject of environmental changes played an equally large role in a different student’s reason for voting. 

“I picked Biden over Trump because of his plans to provide a wider access to health care and his plans for climate change,” said senior Lola McCarrick.

When asked about their decision to vote in the next election, there were a variety of answers from the students. Some were certain that they will vote in the next presidential election whereas others expressed feelings of uncertainty — Fraz planning to vote again and McCarrick unsure.

As for their preferred method of voting, the seniors provided two different responses. Some preferred to vote by mailing in their ballots.

“Mail-in! It’s easier and I didn’t feel like waiting in line,” stated Gadsby.

Others chose to vote in person.

“I voted in person just because it was my first time, and I thought voting in person seemed easier,” said McCarrick. “The line was super long and took about 2 hours. Once I got in, the voting process was really easy. They asked for my name and ID, made me sign something, then gave me my ballot.” 

As first-time voters, the high school seniors of Spring-Ford experienced participating in the democratic process and the importance of self-expression.