Future voters have some big decisions to make. Every day, new stories are released that could sway one’s decision one way or another.

Recently, US Department of Justice Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 election was concluded, and for now, it looks as if Trump has dodged a bullet yet again. The report from the investigation has been released, and it was stated that there is no evidence of collusion with the Russian government. However, it also said that this report does not exonerate Trump of obstruction.

Trump is clearly one of the most controversial presidents ever, creating headlines to be examined every day. The Mueller is story is just one of many stories that cause students to express their opinions. Other topics that are frequently discussed include the border wall, immigration, abortion laws, gun control, and many more.

Across campus, everyone has an opinion, which is a positive, as it is up to us, the juniors and seniors of Novato High, to take it to the polls and vote in the 2020 presidential election. 

These opinionated students will be able to be a part of the process to make change.

According to fairvote.org, 60.1 percent of eligible voters turned out to vote in the 2016 presidential election. That number is far too low for the amount of people that actually do care and have an opinion. 

People really do want to have their voices heard, but many are just too lazy to take their opinion to the voting station. That’s what needs to change.

Some people think voting is pointless; that your one vote won’t change anything in the end.

Novato High senior Patrick Mason thinks voting isn’t important.

“Right now, democracy isn’t working with, like, interest groups and corporations running our government,” said Mason. “I don’t think it’s that important to vote because, either way, corporations are still going to run your life.”

Some people believe the President or person holding office actually doesn’t matter, as big businesses, special interest groups, and corporations are the ones that end up making all the decisions because they give a substantial amount of money to candidates for them to make decisions in office that will benefit their company and further their motives. 

Millions of people are under the impression that their vote won’t matter in the end. Some might be discouraged by the electoral college process, whereas some just feel insignificant altogether.

Those millions of uncast votes could very easily swing an election from one candidate to another.

The next generation of voters need to vote in the 2020 election

Novato High senior George Cooke talked about the importance of voting.

“I mean voting is of course important to a democracy because without active voters then only a fraction of the country’s population control the governing of the minority,” said Cooke.

When only a fraction of the country votes, the government only listens to that fraction, it sounds obvious but it is a major issue. When half the nation votes, the government only governs with half the nation’s interests in mind.

There have been ideas proposed to try and help improve voter turnout. 

One of those ideas is making election day a national holiday. If everyone had the day off from school or work, there would be more time to go out and vote without having to worry about work or school. There would essentially be no excuses.

There is strong evidence that supports giving the day off to vote effectively improves voter turnout.

Voting day in Denmark is a national holiday, and in 2015 they had an astonishing turnout of 85 percent of registered voters showing up to the polls. This does not mean that it would work in the United States, but it is some convincing evidence.

The 2020 election has the opportunity to be very memorable with over 20 Democratic candidates already positioning and fighting to run against Donald Trump.

Whether you want change or you want consistency in D.C., you have to show up to the polls to make your voice heard.