With the presidential election in November, it’s an exciting time for the Government teachers – as well as first-time voters. Harris County Voter Registration officials came to help seniors in Government classes register to vote and learn the importance of voting on Oct. 4.
“I tell my students to be informed,” AP Government teacher Jess White said. “Know why you want to vote a particular way or why you would support the candidate. Secure your vote. Take into consideration, what’s important to you?”
Each Government teacher has unique approaches to helping students understand the importance of what it means to be electing the country’s future leaders.
“I really recommend using the ‘I Side With’ quiz,” Government teacher Jeff Knight said. “The quiz helps give the students an idea of their political perspectives and also matches them with the platforms of the leading candidates.
“Just make sure you have information about each candidate. You’re voting for what you feel is in your best interests and also the country’s best interest. Try to get some information about the issues and what the candidate plans to do.”
Senior Wells Kenny is looking forward to the ability to participate in this year’s election and has been making sure he’s getting information from reliable sources.
“I’m stoked,” Kenny said. “Absolutely stoked. I just recently went online to VoteTexas.gov and got my registration. I try to follow a variety of news outlets and sources. I’m trying to receive my information from everywhere in order to get an unbiased opinion.”
The teachers encourage students to be informed about the candidates they are voting for. They also teach the different steps in the voting process, such as how to register and how to properly cast your vote.
“Last year we had the League of Women Voters talk to the seniors and they actually brought a sample voting machine and I thought that was very beneficial,” Knight said.
This year, the Harris County voter registration officials led the discussion with seniors, which included a PowerPoint presentation.
“I learned from the guest speakers that in Harris County, voters have the flexibility to cast their ballots at any designated vote center,” senior Matthew Villapando said. “Additionally, there are opportunities to engage actively in the electoral process by serving as a temporary election rally staff assistant, which offers $17 per hour.”
Along with the outside speakers, the teachers try to help instill the importance of following through and using the right to vote.
“When people say, ‘My vote doesn’t matter.’ I don’t support that kind of perspective,” White said. “I try to talk the students out of it because, if you vote for somebody and if they don’t get elected, at least you tried to do something. By not voting, you are letting other people decide your future. You’re letting other people decide your policies. You’re letting life happen to you instead of the other way around.”
