Running on unchecked amounts of caffeine and sugar, teenagers regularly miss the happenings in their state governments, hindering their ability to vote for candidates or laws that accurately represent their values. Voting remains an imperative aspect of maintaining a democracy, so with ill-prepared teens stepping into such a valiant role, the true nature of the U.S. sits in a perilous position. To combat this, Copy Editors Sophia Lamb and Alyssa Mehta decided to create “By the people, For the people,” where we (the people) illuminate local, state and federal government events.
Understanding local government can allow individuals to create changes that directly impact their livelihood. This can range from electing people who advocate for stronger money allocation toward education, to choosing an electorate who hones in on decreasing crime in the specified area. Without understanding why local government matters, individuals may vote based on poor perceptions, directly hurting their day-to-day life. By starting this column, Lamb and Mehta hope to inform NC students about why their voice matters.
State-level public government systems — from Capitol buildings to Courthouses — serve as ways people can stay involved in higher forms of government that may impact their day-to-day lives. Citizens of the state have the opportunity to attend sessions at public government buildings to first-handly see how legal proceedings affect them, how to petition and how to alter proceedings. Knowing both senators and their key stances on important issues proves vital to all citizens, as well as understanding why one’s state may vote toward or against an issue at the federal level.
Learning and staying informed about all levels of government is a critical aspect of adulthood, proving essential to maintain a balanced world where government and people can co-exist respectfully. By educating high schoolers and readers in their local area, Lamb and Mehta cannot wait to see how their column impacts the local legislation in Acworth and Kennesaw.
![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)
