Voices of change: Springfield’s young voters share hopes and challenges

Many young Americans are entering a new chapter this year as they gain the right to vote. Across the country, high school students who have turned 18 are casting their ballots this election cycle.

At Discovery Polytechnic Early College High School in downtown Springfield, students spoke to The Latino Election Project about their new civic responsibilities.

Izzy Martinez, an 18-year-old student, first shared her enthusiasm and sense of responsibility that comes with voting.

“Yes, I believe that our voice matters and my voice matters, especially to my community on a small scale because I’m just a high school student, but it’s much more than that,” she said. “I’m part of a brand new high school and there are a lot of new things happening in our city. I feel like I’ve made great connections and been able to talk a lot about my school. It is very important that you are given the opportunity to express your opinion. The more you say something, eventually someone will listen to you.”

While some students feel empowered by their new voting rights, others expressed hesitation and pressure.

Saydie Rivers, also 18, shared her concerns about making the right choice.

“I’ve thought about it. “I thought about not doing it because I didn’t want people to shame me if I choose the wrong person and the world and the economy goes… it’s bad,” she explained. “It’s a lot to process, and I don’t know who to vote for or who would be best for our world.”

Despite the pressure, some students are encouraged by teachers and family members. Soli Perez, another 18-year-old student, emphasized the support she receives at school.

“Teachers definitely tell me it’s important for me to vote now that I’m 18,” she said. “I’m taking a political communications course at Western New England University, and I’ve gotten a lot more information through that course than I normally would.”

Educators such as Bill Mandel, professor of political science at WNEU, emphasized the importance of youth participation in elections.

“This may be the most important election I have voted for in my life,” Mendel said. “It really determines which direction the country goes. I wouldn’t want to miss it.”

Zulmalee Rivera Delgado, of the community organization Neighbor to Neighbor, pointed out the challenges new voters face.

“Once you’re registered to vote, you’re good to go. “I think it will always be a learning process for students to know how politics works in their lives because civic engagement is not really a thing in elementary school or in the public education system,” she said. “But when you talk to students and make the connection between inflation, job insecurity or the economy and the government, it starts to make sense.”

Adriana Rua, a high school teacher at Discovery, offered this advice to young voters.

“When you vote, don’t think about the candidate who is currently in front of you,” Rua said. “You vote for the next four years, which will be extended to four to six years, because we always have an extension of what they do. Even if you are in one place at 18, remember that person will be there until you are 22.”

This is part three of a five-part series for the Latino Election Project. The first two stories, along with their Spanish versions, can be found here. The fourth story explores the perspectives of Latino business leaders. The series concludes with a post-election report.