By Bennett Gaylord
For the Wildcats turning eighteen before November, this will be the first time that they can vote in elections and vote for their beliefs. Even though voting is a fundamental activity for many Americans, it can seem intimidating if seniors do not know what they need to do to get there. Being educated on what you need to do and what you can do can be all that students need to feel more comfortable when they get to the voting booths this November.
Mendocino County Assessor, County Clerk, Recorder, Katrina Bartolomie said that as of now, “We currently have 429 registered or pre-registered students that will turn 18 by Election Day.”
If Seniors have not yet registered to vote, they still can. Bartolomie said “If seniors are not registered yet, they need to register and anytime you move your residence you need to re-register.”
Bartolomie said that as of now, “We currently have 429 registered or pre-registered students that will turn 18 by Election Day.”
If Seniors have not yet registered to vote, they still can. Bartolomie said “If seniors are not registered yet, they need to register and anytime you move your residence you need to re-register.”
For recently graduated Wildcats who might be off to college, Bartolomie explained, “If you go off to school, you can change your mailing address so you get your ballot and voting materials mailed directly to you. Completely fill in the box for the candidate you want to vote for – no X marks or slashed – use black or blue ink, or scanners read those colors the best.”
With all of the first time voters registering to vote, it can seem intimidating when you finally get to the ballot box. Bartolomie recommends, “talk to your parents about how they are voting, ask questions. If you are unsure on a race or measure, you don’t have to vote for or against it – it’s ok to not vote on that – the races/measures you vote on will still be counted.
When completing the ballot, Bartolime reminded Wildcats to, “be sure to complete the backside of the envelope and sign your name, if you’re unsure of how you signed the voter registration card (a signature you can read or a quick squiggly signature) you can sign both ways, or you can call our office and ask.”
Ukiah High School Senior Haylie Seever is one of the students who will be voting this November. She considers herself to be rather educated on the topic of voting, and because of this, she has confidence in herself and her opinions. Seever said, “I feel pretty educated and comfortable voting in this election. Big matters on the ballot I feel I have more understanding about rather than the little ones, I’d say.” Even with the lack of knowledge on the smaller issues, Seever is excited to finally get to have herself finally heard:“I’m pretty excited because now I feel like I have more of a say in things that are going on.”
Another Wildcat, Reagan McDougall is going to be voting this November. Expressing the feeling of voting for the first time, McDougall said, “It feels surreal. I remember going with my mom to vote every four years and always getting an ‘I voted’ sticker. Now this November, I can actually put an ‘I voted’ sticker on and it can be true!”
Bartolomie said the county is hoping Wildcats will volunteer to work polling booths this coming November: “We are looking for high school students to help us at the polls in November.”
Senior Wildcats can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov.
