New Voters Ready for Nov. 3 Election

As the Nov. 3 election draws closer, many PVHS students will be eligible to vote for the first time, with many having key issues on their mind as they pick presidents, propositions, and policies that will shape their futures. 

This entrance into civic duty comes with personal significance to PV’s 18-year-olds; it marks a new chapter of their lives where their voices may be heard, and where their newest privilege allows them to directly participate in our democracy. 

What is considered one of the most significant elections of our time lies in the midst of a civil rights movement that has shed a greater light on criminal justice reform, a pandemic that has affected millions, and a new online school year beset with challenges, along with many other influential events and people dominating the 2020 timeline. 

Such events have had a heavy influence on students’ voting plans and their political participation. 

Senior Chaya Holyfield has been looking forward to the election since finding out she was eligible, saying, “Ever since the Black Lives Matter protests and civil rights movement, I feel like I’ve gotten more involved in politics—I am part of the next generation that’s going to make positive change.” 

Our new voters also emphasized the importance of their eligible peers voting (and voting widely) as well. 

Senior Zoey Belliveau is committed to participating in every possible race and proposition on the California ballot, noting the importance of a full ticket: “Even if the propositions seem like minute details, there are some pretty important things that we should be voting on… I would also want to vote because I don’t want to be a bystander that judges a president or a representative if I didn’t do anything to prevent them from being in office.” 

Voting—especially as a young adult—carries more weight than meets the eye. PVHS is a public school, and those we elect to the school board and the state legislature will not only control the purse strings, but will set in motion policy that will directly affect students. 

Voting on this year’s propositions will amend the state’s Constitution on poignant issues—California may become the first state to end cash bail with Proposition 25; some 17 year-olds may be allowed to vote in primary and special elections with Proposition 18. 

Other topics on the line include affirmative action, rent control, and funds for stem cell research. 

If you are eligible to vote this November, make sure to register and make your voice heard— your fellow Americans depend on it.