An intense election cycle is upon us, and all around Lincoln High School, students and teachers are getting involved.

In the classroom, Mrs. Casey Carr teaches her 11th-grade U.S. History classes about the election. After discussing what makes a good leader and how that is reflected in the role of the president, the students investigated issues on the ballot. When they had formed their own opinions on a few issues of their choice, they researched each candidate’s policies by going to their website or watching speeches and interviews. Carr also discussed the electoral college, swing states, evaluating sources, and the principles behind voting with her students. 

Given the emotions surrounding this election cycle, she very intentionally did not ask students to turn in this assignment, debate, or have a mock election. These choices were effective as students stayed focused on their chosen issues, not each other’s opinions.

“Learning about the election helped me figure out what candidates align with my values,” said student Audrey McQuade.

Of course, the election is often a challenging topic, and related emotions rose in some students.

“I find it informative and helpful in the sense of finding who I should vote for but nothing else. For me it increases stress, specifically thinking of what might happen if the opposite vote is elected . . . To manage, I talk to my therapist and find ways to look at the positives and avoid the topic,” said student Brianna Angela.

Despite the sensitive nature of the topic, today’s students are tomorrow’s voters, and it is important that they are educated.

“I just really want [the students] to be open-minded going into the democratic process,” Carr said. “Not blindly following a party or a candidate or anything like that, but being aware that democracy is based on the people. Sometimes once you start to get behind one political party or one candidate, you might not even listen to the other side’s views, and they might have some great ideas.”

There are several students who are already passionate about voting rights.

Seniors Lila Swartz and Jackson Danforth hosted a Voter Registration Drive during lunch on September 27th. Some students registered right at the event, and many others took home an informational card reminding them to do it.

“There is a (physical) form that you can fill out, and also you can register online,” Swartz said. “You need only a few things, like your address, your email, phone number, name, and other personal information. You will also need either the last four digits of your social security number or your driver’s license number, and that’s literally it.”

Swartz and Danforth are part of the Student Liaison Program for the Rhode Island State Government, which requires them to do a project about civic action. When brainstorming, a Voter Registration Drive was the obvious choice. 

“We believe that students should be aware – especially because of the dire place our country is in right now –  of their right to vote, and what it means, and how important it is,” Swartz said. “We can’t vote until we’re 18, obviously, but it’s important to register because it’s important to vote for what you believe in and exercise that constitutional right that every American has . . . It’s one less thing that you have to worry about [when turning 18], and it takes two seconds, and once you register, you never have to register again.”

Similarly, juniors Helen Green and Maya and Charlotte Drolet are working the polls this Election Day. Helen recommends this activity to social people looking to get involved before being old enough to vote. It even comes with community service hours or a salary.

Green heard about the opportunity from Principal Kenneth Hopkins’ weekly Lion’s Pride newsletter. She signed up for a simple two-hour training and two 14-hour days of volunteering: Primary Day on September 10 and Election Day on November 5. While her assigned polling place was slow on Primary Day, she is getting ready for a huge turnout next Tuesday.