For many Sidwell seniors, voting in the 2024 election is a significant milestone, marking their transition from high school students to young adults. For some, this experience has been years in the making, as they finally have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and use their voices to make a difference.
For students learning about the intricacies of democracy and watching debates, the prospect of going to the polls is a deeply personal moment. Senior Campbell Dwight expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s meaningful to me because I can support candidates who care about the same issues I do, and I know that my vote can help make a difference.” For Dwight and many others, this first-time experience at the polls is not just about voting, but about giving people a say in the issues that matter most to them.
These first-time voters find the 2024 election particularly charged, as it directly impacts issues like health care — causes many students are passionate about. “For me, easy and affordable access to healthcare is a top priority,” Dwight stated. “Healthcare should be accessible to everyone, and I want to support candidates who are committed to making that happen.”
Similarly, many seniors are deeply concerned about protecting women’s rights, especially after the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision and ongoing national debates over reproductive freedoms. These issues drive their choices at the ballot box, and they are determined to make their voices heard on such crucial topics.
Sidwell students have been deeply involved in the 2024 election season, not just by casting their first votes but also through active political engagement. Senior Charlie Kay, head of Sidwell Political Union, has played a pivotal role in facilitating conversation and activism around this year’s election.
“We organized a debate after the presidential debate, as well as discussions before and after the event,” Kay shared. This initiative aimed to create a space for students to engage directly with the issues discussed in the national debates, allowing them to process and discuss critical moments while also hearing diverse perspectives from their peers. By organizing pre- and post-debate discussions, Kay and his peers ensured that these events were not just a one-time occurrence but an ongoing conversation that students could engage with throughout the election season.
A key part of his job as head is to “to create a place where people love to share their thoughts and debate respectfully.” Kay believes that encouraging dialogue is crucial in today’s society, stating “even in a year when government is divided, we strive to prevent division and divisiveness and promote unity.” His club is committed to dialogue and collaboration, which helps students gain a diverse political perspective.
“We respect everyone’s political opinions and give everyone a chance to express them,” Kay said. “We allow people who disagree with others to debate each other in a respectful, productive environment.”
The enthusiasm and thoughtful participation of Sidwell students this election cycle reflect the growing awareness among young people of their power to influence change. Focusing on culture and relationships in this way will help create a unity where people can be heard and understand each other, regardless of politics. Despite the challenges of politics and the divisiveness inherent in it, students like Kay show that thoughtful, bipartisan discussion can still thrive in today’s political climate.
