For the first time in two years, those eighteen years and older are able to vote in the midterm elections – including several PVHS seniors. These elections are crucial to local politics, yet are not often seen as such due to the overshadowing of these elections by more general, publicized elections.

However, this midterm election holds importance: in the Assembly, Democratic incumbent candidate and Rolling Hills Estates resident Al Muratsuchi’s leadership is challenged by Republican candidate and longtime Torrance resident Frank Scotto.

This election could come to represent the happenings of the 2016 general election, in which the Democratic tradition was overtaken, or it could come to represent the 2012 general election, in which the Democratic incumbent candidate was granted re-election. Lawn signs in favor of each candidate can be seen upon the Hill, proving the divisions amongst the neighboring voters.

Dianne Feinstein’s Senatorial seat is also up for election, her opponent being fellow Democrat Kevin de León, California State Senate President pro Tempore. The two candidates are from different generations, with de León 51 years old to Feinstein’s 85.

Several propositions that have amassed controversy within the South Bay are to be included on the ballot: Proposition 10 addresses housing affordability, and Proposition 6 regards the gas tax, stating “…the people hereby amend the [California] Constitution to require voter approval of the recent increase in the gas and car tax… and any future increases in the gas and car tax.”

Eighteen-year-old senior Jack Engstrom intends to vote in the upcoming election, and hopes others his age will do the same. Engstrom has been sure to remain educated on all that is up for the vote, reading the voter guide and watching ads on both sides.

“Make sure you go and vote, no matter what,” Engstrom advised fellow first-time voters.  “Definitely do your homework about it, too.”

According to Non Profit Vote, in the 2014 midterm election, voter turnout was 36.4% of eligible voters, making it the lowest midterm election rate since World War II. As such, new voters’ ballots can significantly amend the outcome.

With the majority of PVHS students being minors, however, most are unable to use their voice via a ballot. Despite this, students have myriad outlets for action, including participating in internships with local candidates and getting informed.

Junior Emmy Rener is making a difference at only seventeen in local politics through her internship with Muratsuchi’s campaign, the nature of her work entailing making phone calls to those in this District, going to door-to-door house visits, and attending Get Out to Vote Days.

“He’s a huge environmentalist, and he’s also a surfer, so he loves the ocean, and he’s against offshore drilling,” Rener explained when asked what founded her support of Muratsuchi.

“He’s a supporter of LGBTQ rights in our schools, and has been since 2001.”

In a manner more applicable to PVHS, Rener spoke toward Muratsuchi’s school-based policies.

“He’s a huge supporter of education and increasing the [Local Control and Accountability Plan] for our district and just passed a bill for AB-2808, which would increase our school’s funding so it’s more equal to other schools throughout the state of California.”

In this respect, the midterm elections are especially relevant to local students’ daily lives. Those who cannot vote, however, can voice their opinions by staying educated, making sure of-age students remain educated, and volunteering with local candidates of their choosing.

Voting is the principle by which America can be considered a democracy. As such, this right must be exercised to maintain the nation’s democratic status.

“Vote for what you believe in,” Engstrom said.