High School Students Are Casting Their Votes Without a Ballot

By Marium Zahra and Aruja Misra

High schoolers across the country are taking action to increase voter turnout in the 2024 election

“It’s probably the most important election in my lifetime. Talking to people about the importance of our democracy and voting is just one of the best ways to get people out to vote,” says Geoffrey Sias, a junior at Coronado High School in El Paso, Texas, about his action as a student to encourage voter turnout in his community. 

Sias isn’t the only one; with the 2024 election being the deciding factor on many pressing issues, Tuesday, November 5th, is a crucial day for all Americans, especially those who can’t vote yet. Proposed legislation like Project 2025 forces the result of the election to determine how the next generation can live the rest of their lives and how many fundamental rights to freedom they can keep. Unfortunately, Americans under 18 years old aren’t able to have a direct sway on a decision that will affect them the most. 

However, young people aren’t going down without a fight; high school students nationwide, especially in battleground states, are taking action to ensure their voices are heard in any way they can.

From working with their local parties to phone banking for regional and national candidates to block walking after school to sending texts during free time, high school students are taking direct action to secure their futures. “I have volunteered for phone banks in my community to help reach potential voters to ensure they know how and where to vote in the election… I want to make sure that the right person is elected into office in November,” says Texas high school student Mahrus Raaief, who hopes his volunteer work will have an impact.

Sias explains how he is working with The El Paso Democratic Party to reach voters who aren’t hopeful in his battleground state: “I’m currently volunteering with a campaign to get people out. We don’t have many people believing that their votes are worth anything… it’s very important that everyone knows that their vote counts” says Sias. 

Other students have stayed consistently involved throughout the year to increase their impact in their community. “I’ve participated in locally arranged political functions and rallies. I have been attending the meetings of the College Democrats of El Paso, local protests, and signing petitions,” says Gianna Rosales, a high school student at Burges High School in El Paso, Texas

Social media has become an avenue for raising awareness about the election for students whose household duties only allow them time to volunteer indirectly. Pre-voters have begun increasing interactions with certain content regarding crucial election information, like voter locations, to uplift it to a broader audience. Some students have even started posting on personal social media accounts to advocate and encourage their peers who are over 18 to cast their ballots. 

“It has been challenging figuring out how exactly to contribute a voice to an election. I love talking about politics, so the main way I make my voice heard is by simply speaking to as many people as possible. The best way I’ve found is by taking to Instagram and spreading educational information about both candidates.” explains Rosales about how social media has allowed her to reach potential voters. 

Many students have also found that one of the most efficient ways to increase turnout is by speaking to adults within their own lives. “I enjoy talking to many people in my school about politics, especially how they are making a plan to vote,” says Sias about conversations he has had in his classrooms.  

Rosales even says she has urged people in her own life “so much so that I may have gotten on the nerves of everyone I know that is able to vote.” 

While students aren’t backing down from making a difference in voter turnout, they can still acknowledge the faults within the current party system and pressure their candidates about policies and stances they disagree with. “There are faults to the system. In other countries, they do have high voter turnout and several political parties. It makes sure that everyone’s voices are heard… I feel like working as a group will help change the country for the better.” says Raaief. 

Other students agree with this sentiment, “I think having more popular local parties will result in better representation of the people. That will really strengthen our democracy.” says Sias.  “I have emailed my district representative about public transportation and how we can expand it in Texas. I try to reach out to my candidates, especially in the local ones, because those are the people who are very important for these issues.” he adds about his concern for community issues. 

High school students across the country are showing us that they are taking control of their futures and reaffirming the large amount of political efficacy in younger Gen Z-ers. Moreover, their action shows us how much students care about protecting marginalized communities. “As a young, queer, Latina, the issues on the ballot this election can and will affect my life. I see no other choice but to put in the work as best I can for the freedoms of those who are less fortunate than me,” says Rosales.

The immense work that high school students have done for this election is projected to impact the outcome of the election; however, their involvement is most important and inspiring because it shows us that the country’s future is in the hands of those who deeply care about it.