California held a special election for Prop. 50 on Nov. 4, a measure which would allow the state to redraw its congressional lines and grant Democrats up to 5 additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm, according to the Associated Press. For students who turned 18 before the election, this was their first opportunity to vote. Some students chose to vote, while others didn’t. Anthro interviewed eligible students on how their voting experience was, and why they chose to vote, or not to vote.
“I was really excited just because it was my first time voting, and that’s a big thing that you can do here is you have the right to vote. I decided to vote because I felt that it’s not a duty of a citizen but it kind of is, and you have that right so why not use it. Personally I feel like if you can educate yourself on these issues, it’s important that you do vote, so that your opinion is heard and that’s really important for a democracy.”
– Suzie Mondragon, 18, senior
“My first voting experience was super easy. Registration was quick and voting in person was very gratifying. In fact, a veteran shouted out that I was a first-time voter and everyone clapped, which was cool and kind of funny. I decided to vote because I believe I have a civic duty as a U.S. citizen to do what I can to propel my country in the direction I see fit.”
– Luke Joachim, 18, senior
“I didn’t vote. I really just don’t follow politics at all anymore, it feels like a big joke now, and I felt that if I voted, it would’ve just been whatever my parents voted for.“
– Graham Vaughan, 18, senior
“I did not vote because I was swamped with school work and college applications. I felt unsure because I didn’t know what elections were happening or what bills they were trying to pass. I was also unsure on the process I had to do to even vote.”
– Tayton Chow-Gregory, 18, senior