In celebration of February Youth Voter Month, and honoring Presidents Day, the League of Women Voters of Larimer County offers these thoughts from the submissions of high school students in Poudre and Thompson Valley School Districts. Many students will receive Perkins cherry pies for their entries on Washington’s Birthday. All students who participated in the contest receive a congratulatory letter from LWV as they come of age to enter our American Democracy.

 

 

I will have a hand in our country’s fate. I will have more than a thank you for the soldiers. I will have not only a voice but a vote — the privilege to participate in elections that rely on my responsibility and yours — Sierra Lear, Fossil Ridge High

 

Voting is what determines a democracy for it represents freedom in its simplest form — Clara Levy, Berthoud High

 

Taking the initiative to go to the polling place and voting for a candidate that you believe has the best reasons to run this country, is one of the best things you can do for yourself — Lauren Adams, Poudre High

 

We are all equal when we go into that booth and make our marks saying what we want in life — Vivonna Fauver, Poudre High

 

One thing my parents taught me is not to take for granted the opportunities provided by America, and suffrage is an opportunity for self-expression that is completely priceless — Lily Filopowska, Fossil Ridge High

 

Voting is not just picking something like what you should wear for school or out to the movies. It is way bigger; being part of choosing who is our president for four years is a big responsibility— Forestt McMahill, Poudre High

We are each a small force like a newton and in that respect we are all equal. We can all apply our one newton onto the object that is the path of our nation — Victor Bader, Fossil Ridge High

 

I’m looking forward to voting: honoring the men and women of our military who have fought and died to protect our right to vote — Leigh Ann Kleber, Berthoud High

 

The word “voting” in my opinion represents the United States of America — Sheridyn Randolph, Poudre High

 

Here are some of the many current issues that these teenagers mentioned in their submissions:  Poverty • Taxes • Abortion • Funding of Arts & Music in Education • Honoring Military Service • Gay Marriage • Health Care • Mandatory Education • Gun Control • Women’s Equality • My Future • Changing History • To Be Heard.

LWV has a fervent wish that youth will know the difference in celebrity info-tainment that tends to sensationalize and polarize the nation, and true journalism sources.  One helpful, nonpartisan resource for all is www.VOTE411.org.

 

Cheers to All Past and Present Patriots,