<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2aT0v6_1GvaCmLz00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2aT0v6_1GvaCmLz00" width="1138" height="1200" ><figcaption>Brooke Olson A picture of an “I voted” sticker commonly given out on election day.</figcaption></figure>As the Nov. 3 midterm elections approach, millions of Americans are planning to cast their ballots. However, for many high school students, voting is not yet an option. While most students at Bernards High School are too young to participate in the election, that does not mean that they are too young to be interested in politics.The 2026 midterm elections will determine which party controls Congress, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and approximately one third of the Senate up for vote. These elections do not determine the presidential election, but their results can significantly influence the direction of the country and the policies that affect Americans, which includes teenagers.For students who are not able to vote just yet, political participation can look different. Staying informed about current events, discussing political issues and developing personal opinions are all great ways that teenagers can engage with politics before they turn 18.Araceli Escurra ‘28 explained that although she is not always interested in politics, certain topics catch her attention. “I haven’t heard anything much about them, but I am curious about who is running,” she said when asked about the upcoming election. On the other hand, Bianca Chaparro ‘28 expressed her stronger interest in keeping up with current political events. “I am interested in politics because I believe that it is extremely important to stay in the loop, especially nowadays.” Political information is also more accessible than ever before. With platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, teenagers can come across political discussions without actively searching for them. On the other hand, introducing younger audiences to important issues can also expose them to misleading information, which makes it important to consider if what they are seeing is reliable.Schools can also play an important role in helping students understand the government and current events. History classes, classroom discussions and lessons about the government and political system can provide students with the background they need to understand elections and the decisions that are made. However, students might disagree about how much political education should be included in their classes.“I personally don’t think so because I think it would take away the education that we need for colleges,” Escurra ‘28 said when asked whether schools should include more education about politics.Chaparro ‘28, on the other hand, disagreed. “Yes, I think schools should do more to educate students about current events,” she said.Even though they have different opinions on politics in the education space, both agreed that they intend to vote when they become eligible. “I’ll most likely vote because I want what’s best for our country,” Araceli ‘28 said.Although the voting age in the United States is 18, political awareness can begin much earlier. The issues debated during elections, including education, the economy and much more, can affect teenagers regardless of whether they are eligible to vote.Both students also expressed doubts about how interested teenagers are in politics overall. They personally recognize the importance of political awareness, but they believe most teenagers are not truly interested until they become eligible to vote. As Election Day approaches, the question for younger students is not necessarily which candidate they will vote for, but rather if they are paying attention at all. They might not have a say at the polling places this November, but their opinions today could shape their participation in democracy in the years ahead.</div></body>

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As the Nov. 3 midterm elections approach, millions of Americans are planning to cast their ballots. However, for many high school students, voting is not yet an option. While most students at Bernards High School are too young to participate in the election, that does not mean that they are too young to be interested in politics.

2026 midterms: impact on Bernards High School

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As the Nov. 3 midterm elections approach, millions of Americans are planning to cast their ballots. However, for many high school students, voting is not y

2026 midterms: impact on Bernards High School

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