The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
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Why NC votes

— and how Camryn Zwang strives to make a difference with her ballot
Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
October 3, 2024
Ciara Whimbush
Although she recently reached voting age, magnet senior Camryn Zwang acknowledges the significance of young people using their voices in a democracy. As an involved student and youth advocate, Zwang aims to encourage her younger friends to educate themselves on the upcoming presidential election. With thirty-four days left until she sets out to vote for the first time, Zwang looks forward to directly participating in American politics. “I want to vote because it’s important to understand the ‘wants’ I have as a citizen, and how the current candidates reciprocate that. It’s critical that I live in a country where I feel safe with the leaders we have, and this can be done by voting appropriately with the privilege I have of voting. I vote for my friends, family, and community. It’s important that I use my vote for those who can’t,” Zwang said.

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.

 
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About the Contributor
Ciara Whimbush
Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief
One fateful day in 2013, Ciara Whimbush wrote a story about two girls visiting a witch’s house in the woods. Throughout the process, she stumbled across the thing that made her feel most like herself: writing. As Whimbush nears the end of her high school career, she excitedly looks to see how her writing and creativity can push her to new heights. In her new role as The Chant’s Editor in Chief, Whimbush aims to spread her adoration and appreciation for journalism to all students, both in and outside of NC. Alongside being published in The Chant, Whimbush has also been featured in the Marietta Daily Journal, The Legal Pad, and The Georgia Recorder.  Alongside The Chant, Whimbush holds the field of social studies in high regard, as she actively participates in organizations such as Rhizome, She Cares International, and Students 4 Ashwin that serve to  uplift youth voices in civic engagement. Aside from typing away on her keyboard, her other interests include spinning her flag and rifle on the NC Color Guard, baking sweets, scrapbooking, and indulging in the latest reality television shows sweeping streaming services. During her third and final year at The Chant, Whimbush aims to become a better writer, an impactful leader and a conscious citizen of the world; through interviews, articles, and exploring outside of her comfort zone, Whimbush hopes that by the end of her time at NC, that she can make her first-grade self proud of how far she has come.  Find her on Instagram: @c1araaaaaa.