The 2024 election is approaching rapidly, in addition to different news outlets sharing their beliefs of what they assume will be the final votes of the 2024 election, there is also some rise in swing states. Over the past few weeks, swing states have been in discourse of what side these particular states will ‘swing’. The most popular ones being Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina, as well as a few more states that previously were known as swing states. So looking into more deep thoughts and the purpose of voting in LHS can help with the election for staff and students who have decided to vote this year.
“Politically it makes sense, if you’re a politician you’re going to go campaign in these areas [swing states] you have to. The question you have to ask yourself is what generally safe states are going to stay safe, because we have seen four people spend so much time in–a candidate will spend so much time in a swing state that they will then lose what was looked at as a safe state,” respond Joshua Debard, LHS history teacher.
Furthermore, if you believe you cannot go and vote in a particular state isn’t always the case. At times the voting in a state, whether republican or democratic, can change. Swing states do hold a valuable role in the electoral process, but so do all the other states. The knowledge of what states will ‘swing’ isn’t very clear, yet going out to participate in the election may help as the election approaches.
“The importance of voting, I always try to look at it as, especially from a woman’s perspective. You have to fight to get the opportunity to vote, so just making sure that you actually go out and do vote is really important. And I feel like that’s one way our voices can be heard,” said Amanda Stevens, LHS history teacher.
Although voting may not reveal to be very important for some, it is. The right to vote, gives the chance that when you do go vote can change on who actually takes the time to go and vote.
“The government derives its power from our consent, that consent takes place through voting. If you don’t vote, don’t speak, because if you’re not there to voice your opinion or give your consent to vote, you’re not participating in our democracy so then don’t complain about the results that you get,” stated Joshua Debard.
This information is very important for the students and staff here at Lebanon high school since the upcoming election is taking place in November. The singular vote you have is very valuable and can make even a small difference in the presidential election. So students and staff, take the time to consider the candidates and who you believe holds what is best for the Country. Go vote for who has your best interests at heart and encourage those around you to also go and vote.
