It’s that time again! Voting is right around the corner and for some, it may be the first time. The 26th Amendment grants 18-year-olds the right to vote, and it is important to take advantage of this. Voting can determine the future of our country; you may not care now, but you may in four years time.

You need to register before you can vote. Do this online or through the mail. There are many online websites to register, but rockthevote.org is specifically designed for teens. All you need is your Pa. license number or PennDOT number, your political party, last four digits of your social security number, and additional personal information (i.e. name, address, etc.).

After you register, do your research! It is important to educate yourself on who you will be voting for. Many candidates focus on certain issues, so know what you are passionate about and vote accordingly. Watch the debates and use sample ballots or helper guides to figure out who you stand for.

When Election Day rolls around, you will need to know your polling location; which are assigned by residential address. Your name will not be on any other roster than the one you are assigned to. To check for your individual polling location, simply search online, “polling location,” click on a trusted link, and plug in your information!

“Most Definitely,” was how student, Sayde Van Etten, described the importance of voting, “By not voting you are misinterpreting your area.” The costs of not voting could significantly weigh a choice one way or another, so your vote has an impact!