With a controversial election just around the corner and a surplus of eager 18-year-olds at Seattle Preparatory School, talk of the election is frequent and fervent. Teachers must navigate how they will teach the election, and students must figure out how to respectfully discuss the elections with their peers. Prep is home to a student body with various interests, passions, and political views.
When asked about the election, one Senior admitted “…I try to be careful about what I say around others about the elections, especially in a classroom. I have no intentions of making enemies, I want to do what I think is right.”
That definition of what is “right” differs from student to student and makes for some clashing opinions. One Prep student confidently stated “I will be voting for Kamala Harris this election. I believe she will make our nation a better safer place, and what is best for America.”
In contrast, a student just a classroom away firmly said, “My vote is with Trump. Trump will better and strengthen the US and help solve some of its many problems.”
In a city where 58% voted Democratic in the last election according to CNN, Republican voters are more of a rarity. When surveyed, only 16.5% of Seattle Prep students said they would vote for Donald Trump. Nevertheless, the young voters strong with their opinions. The student stated, “I know most people at this school will be voting for Kamala, and there is nothing I can do about that. All that matters is that I know Trump is the better candidate, and my vote will be used to support him.”
The other four students were in support of Harris but in different proportions. Another student expressed, “I do not think either candidate is perfect for the position, they both have their flaws. I think Kamala is the better of the two, which is why I will be voting for her.”
While some have just wavering support for Harris, other students were in full-throttle of the idea of an African-American female president. A young female student declared “…Harris undoubtedly has my vote. She has stronger ideals and morals, and an African American woman would bring her a unique perspective to the job.”
With a varying group of curious and educated young people at Prep, it is inevitable for opinions and eventually arguments to arise. Based on the small subset of individuals interviewed, it is safe to conclude that Seniors who can vote have very different ideas about who the president should be. However, contrasting opinions can coexist peacefully when paired with respect and kindness. Each student interviewed exhibited awareness and respect, proving that no matter who they vote for, the class of 2024 at Seattle Prep will bring some good into the world.
