Story by: Rob Kinch
With all the sound bites, heated opinions, and political vitriol expressed by adults regarding November’s presidential election and its respective candidates, it is often forgotten that America’s youth have their own views and concerns as well. Thanks to history teacher John Odin and to the Union County Board of Elections, Rahway High School students were given the opportunity to make their choice of candidates clearly known to their community.
On Friday, October 14 students voted for their presidential choices, in school, on the actual voting machines that will be utilized by their parents and guardians next month. Working together with guests from the Union County Board of Elections, members of RHS’s student government and of its National Honor Society guided their peers through the voting process throughout the course of the day.
Mr. Odin, who also teaches courses in AP World Government and AP Comparative Politics, felt that it was important for students not only to have a platform to voice their preferences but also “to participate in the most basic piece of the foundation of freedom.” Senior Ana Marques definitely agrees and offers, “The younger generation got to experience what is ‘real’ in the real world. I took this seriously and am anxious to learn the results.” Gabrielle Filsaime was pleased that students turning 18 now have the insight into the procedure of voting,” and quickly added, “I like it!”
Freshman Josh Darisme echoed a similar feeling, “It was a great experience and something to look forward to doing in the future as an adult.”
Mr. Odin was also eager to offer his gratitude to the Union County Board of Elections who, he affirmed, “made all this possible, they could not have been more helpful.” He also wished to thank all the faculty for their cooperation in allowing their students to participate in this debut program. “Having served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1970’s and having witnessed what so many sacrificed for the privilege of voting, any inconvenience today may have caused was more than worth it.”
Photos by: Joseph Mudrak
(above) Organizer John Odin demonstrates an actual voting booth brought in for the election. Photos by: Joseph Mudrak
