As seniors turn 18 this year, a civic responsibility arises: voting. Despite how government class builds awareness, many students are still unaware of the importance of voting and where to begin. That needs to stop.

“Voting is how we as U.S. citizens express our voice,” said VA and US government teacher Alissa McCullough. “It is one of the most powerful tools we have in a representative democracy.”

According to childtrends.org, the proportion of youth aged 18 to 24 who reported voting in presidential elections decreased from 50 to 39 percent from 1972 to 2016. Young voters should take note of such statistics and do something about it.

Many people complain about the government and the laws and regulations that it enforces; however, statistics will always speak for themselves. There is no excuse for the indifference that many youths seem to have regarding the right, the privilege, and the duty to vote.

In this world of technology, where information is at one’s fingertips, seniors can get informed with current events by checking non-biased news sources and conversing with fellow seniors.

“I will be voting in the 2020 election because I want my voice to be heard,” said senior Kianna Butts.

Citizens above the age of 18 can register to vote online through the Department of Elections or in person at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.

“It’s important to vote so that you have a say in what goes on in our nation,” said senior Robert Buczynski.