For several high schoolers across the U.S., senior year represents a pivotal time of self-exploration and new opportunity. In the case of magnet senior Camryn Zwang, senior year has presented her with the opportunity to vote in the 2024 presidential election — an exciting feat for a first-time voter. As November 5 steadily approaches, Zwang excitedly reflects on the impact her youth vote will have on democracy.
“I registered about two months before my 18th birthday. The thing that made me realize the importance of voting was the difference my vote will make. I have been much more involved in political elections since the overturning of women’s autonomy laws and the scary idea of losing individual freedom. Even if it’s just one vote, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities given to me when others don’t have it,” Zwang said.
As a new Generation Z (Gen Z) voter, Zwang unites with thousands of young registered Georgians to vote in the upcoming election. According to the Georgia Secretary of State Election Data Hub, over 938,000 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 registered to vote in the Peach State, furthering the mobilization of young people in democracy. In Cobb County alone, over 65,000 young voters subscribed to cast their ballots. These numbers reflect the gradual increase of Gen Z voters engaging civically; across the nation, youth-run organizations such as 18byVote and TurnUp Activism work tirelessly to encourage their peers and communities to act.
Although she formally joined the realm of democratic participation, Zwang has worked closely with Rhizome, an organization dedicated to mobilizing young voters around the country. As a part of Rhizomes Student Voice Campaign, Zwang’s Greater Atlanta Chapter currently works to design a children’s book that aims to teach elementary school-aged students about civic engagement. Zwang plans to put her creative expertise to use by designing all of the illustrations for the project. As a member of NC’s National Art Honors Society chapter, she looks forward to combining her favorite discipline with an important cause.
Through her past four years at NC, Zwang has shown her urge to inspire others through exploring their passions and helping their community. Around the school, Zwang exemplifies leadership in the varsity Lady Warriors soccer team, as well as with dedicated volunteer work through NC’s International Studies magnet program. In her spare time, she devotes her energies to organizations such as Camp Kudzu and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and helps provide support and raise awareness for youths living with diabetes. A budding public servant, Zwang uses both her lived experiences and the stories shared with her to inform her vote this November.
“I would tell NC students who aren’t able to vote in this election to still advocate and use their voice to encourage friends, family, and peers who can vote to make it count. I vote because of the difference it can make. Although one vote may seem small, it truly can go a long way, especially with the campaigns and encouragement that I–and many others –are involved in to increase the number of voters. Your involvement in this election is crucial, so register to vote and use your voice for those who can’t,” Zwang said.
![During an election season, several Americans recall the extensive history — and conflict — with how voting has operated. The vast and often frustrating methods of voting used in decades past can allow modern citizens to appreciate the current methods in place, while also remembering the fond memories that occurred on the civic struggle bus. For Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics and honors government and economics teacher Dr. Pamela Roach, her knowledge and lived experiences of different voting eras allow her to cherish her civic duty, and teach her students to do the same. Although it may not be the most efficacious, I think voting is one act of political participation. You [can] write and email your elected representative, whether it's at the local state or national level. [That] has a place in democracy because how else will those elected officials know what we, the people, want? ‘We the people’ is a powerful phrase, and no one takes the time to actually go and let their voice be heard by these individuals. So yeah, your voice matters,” Roach said.](https://nchschant.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/roach-photo-1-1200x900.png)
![For several government and politics educators around the U.S., an election season represents a key time to educate their students through tangible examples. In the case of Advanced Placement (AP) Comparative Government teacher Carolyn Galloway, this opportunity not only excites her but fervently aligns with her zeal for democratic processes. Through her personal and professional experiences with voting and government, Galloway encourages her students — both those who can vote and those who can not — to enter into elections informed about any topics on the ballot. “[Voting] impacts your government, especially on the local level, because not a lot of people vote on the local level. Who you vote for, how you vote, and whether or not you understand what you are voting for impact everything from who your tax commissioner is, to who your president is, to what ballot measures pass. All of those impact the way the government works for you,” Galloway said.](https://nchschant.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/galloway-photo-2-1200x900.png)
