As the upcoming 2020 presidential election approaches, many students will not be able to legally vote but can still have an impact on the political landscape.
One way minors can voice their political opinion is through participating in various political events. These gatherings come in many different forms, such as protests and walkouts, to make a statement to the public, local public officials, and lawmakers. The March For Our Lives walkout and recent Environmental demonstration are just some of the many examples of ways students have expressed their opinions on societal issues on a large scale.
Students, such as senior Chris Cumberbatch, participate in other political events such as local presidential candidate visits. “I have attended the Andrew Yang visits at Muscatine and Davenport,” said Cumberbatch. “It is a great way to meet like-minded people and learn more about politics and society in general.”
Another way students can actively engage in politics is by joining a local campaign office for their preferred candidate. Cumberbatch is actively part of the Andrew Yang Davenport campaign office. “As part of the youth office, I spread the beliefs and ideas to people through two main ways, phone-banking and canvassing,” said Cumberbatch. “I am able to get the word out to many people as I can, hoping to inform them on Yang’s principles and why he would make a great president.”
“The best way to reinforce your own political opinion and sharpen or change the opinions of others is to be prepared to argue your stance,” said junior and campaign officer Taze Wilson. “The 2020 election is a turning point in the American political sphere, and what is needed going forward is people willing to stand up and fight for their ideas. Young people who can’t vote have the ability to foresee the effects of this election and be strong advocates for their beliefs.”
