Over 145 million Americans voted in the Nov. 5, 2024 presidential election. With most votes going to either Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris or Republican candidate former President Donald Trump, Trump secured the victory with 312 electoral votes and 50.4% of the popular vote. Out of these 145 million people, several of them are senior students attending Ross High School.
America votes using a system called the electoral college. In this system, citizens vote for state representatives and senators. The amount of representatives in the state depends on the population of the state. There are two senators per state, regardless of population.
The electors in a state are equal to the sum of state representatives and the senators. In some cases, the popular vote does not match the electoral vote, but regardless, the electoral vote determines the outcome of the election.
Citizens in America must be 18 years old to vote, which gives eligibility to some RHS seniors. In a Google form sent out to Ross seniors, several first-time voters shared their experiences at the polls.
Senior Andrew Gettler described his experience as “very easy and fast.” Senior Sierra Bacovin’s experience was empowering: “I’m important because every vote counts,” she said. Senior Madeline Schnieber stated, “It went well. It made me feel mature.” Senior Braxton Pack said the polls were “efficient.” Most students who responded felt prepared to vote for America’s next president.
When asked about his thoughts on America’s election system, senior Luke Bronnert wrote, “America’s voting system can often make someone feel miniscule [especially] with the electoral college, but I can only vote every 2 years and I find it a privilege to get to participate.”
Although the vast amount of voting citizens can make one vote seem insignificant, educating oneself on the candidates, issues and laws being voted on is very important to make a political impact and stand up for personal beliefs. Every vote counts.
Ross High School is proud to honor the seniors who exercised their American right to share their voices.
