As American citizens, the most important part of our democracy resides in the people: the power to vote. In the 2018 midterm elections, some of De Soto High School’s senior students are already 18 years old and can exercise this power.

Senior Jacob Ward voted early at his polling place of choice, Okun Fieldhouse in Shawnee.

“I think it’s really important for young people to vote because if we want any change to happen in the world, we have to be the ones to set it forward,” Ward said. “Voting is the best way to start that change.”

Senior Connor Flynn chose to vote in the midterm elections as well. He feels it is important for him to partake in the decision of who will represent Kansas in the federal government.

“You are more or less deciding who’s governing you. I feel like it is just important for people to decide who they want [governing them],” Flynn said.

Ward felt passionately about voting for Sharice Davids to be Kansas’ Representative in the House. After voting, he posted on Instagram that he was “glad to be able to vote for the first time,” expressing that it is important for other 18 year olds to do the same.

Ward felt especially welcome at his polling place after the workers cheered after discovering that he was a first time voter. According to The Washington Post, voter turnout percentages for Millennials and Generation Z rarely reach 21 percent.

Ward is part of the change, as he takes part in the largest projected group of young voters in three decades.

Flynn agrees that students who are eligible to vote should take advantage of that opportunity as an American.

“It’s [voting] one of your rights that is given to you, so I feel like you should express it as best as you can,” Flynn said.

While the races are close, this voting season reminds young people of the importance of voting. Voting is a privilege and a right that Americans often take for granted. Ward encourages students to take the time to read up on the candidates and decide who they think will represent Kansas best in the government.

“Oftentimes, people our age drive by political campaign posters and think nothing of it,” Ward said. “It’s something we should understand and have knowledge of, and it’s up to us to educate ourselves on the candidates, topics and policies that we are voting on.”