QUEEN CREEK, AZ — The November Presidential Election will be the first time many young people will cast a vote, including seniors at Queen Creek High School.
ABC15 spoke to students in Mrs. Martynowicz' AP Government class who are first-time voters.
"I'm extremely excited. I was raised in a very political household and I love everything about it--the debates, disagreements, cooperation, everything about that," said Olivia Echevarria. "I can't wait for November."
"Growing up there were a lot of different opinions and politics being thrown at me, so I think now I'm finally able to have my own voice and make my own decisions in it," said Oskar Koopman.
Many of the students said lessons in their AP Government class have shaped the way they view elections.
"That was like one of the biggest things that I didn't take into consideration--that the constitution is completely is the basis for all of our laws and what a president should represent," said Emily Davidsen.
"I was one of those people who thought, 'This political climate stinks, nothing is going to happen, my vote doesn't matter,' and I'm starting to change that. No longer as cynical about the government as I was," said Logan Mullin.
Many of the students said voting is a privilege, and they're the generation with the power to make a lasting impact.
"The country is in our hands currently, right now. It's just--whether or not they want to take that step or they want to continue to let the old generations dictate how the future is," said Koopman.
"I see how my vote can make a big difference and how I can change policy not only with federal decisions but with local," said Davidsen.
"We live in America, it's a democracy, we have that advantage. We get to decide what goes on in our lives. Decisions that are made affect us in almost every aspect," said Echevarria.
When it comes to choosing a candidate, most have an idea of what they like but they haven't made up their minds yet.
"I'm looking for somebody who can admit that they made mistakes and they were wrong. Humility is something all leaders need," said Mullin.
"I have certain alignments that lead toward Democrats, alignments that leads Republicans, Centralists. It made me come to terms that my political alignment is everywhere," said Koopman.
