"What Makes Voter Registration So Important Ahead of This Year's Election?" by Lillian Anderson

The American Legion Building is where voters in Blowing Rock will go to cast their ballots. Photo Cred: Lillian Anderson, WHS Powderhorn

Lillian Anderson, Staff Writer to The Powderhorn

Before this year's general election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, over 8.3 million individuals will become eligible to vote, introducing a whole new generation to the complex world of politics. These millions of people will soon flood local polling places to cast their votes and give their say in who should represent them. However, before that can happen, all newly eligible voters must register to vote so can share their views on a national scale.

In the United States, to register to vote you must be a legal citizen, at least 18 years of age, live in the county in which you are registering, and not be serving any felony punishment. You can register online or in person at the DMV. There are certain exceptions to these rules for military members serving overseas and for 16 and 17 year olds who wish to pre-register, but North Carolina’s system is somewhat distinct.

“North Carolina has an open primary system, which is unique because typically, you either align with the Democratic or Republican Party and are locked into those views,” said Samuel Vining, Watauga High School teacher. “In North Carolina, if you consider yourself a moderate voter who maybe doesn’t quite fit with either side, you can vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary in the spring. Say you don’t like the candidates in the Republican Party if you register as unaffiliated, you can vote for the Democrat.”

Due to the open primary system, voters are given more power to control who they want in office, and information about this system is readily available. 

“There’s a really good number of organizations that work to try and help inform people about the process,” said Vining. “There is an organization called Vote NC, and they do a really good job of using money to market and communicate with the people about this year's ballot.”

Part of being prepared for the upcoming election is being an informed voter. You must decide who you think will best represent you by understanding the information presented by each side. 

“I think that as a voter, it is just important to be an informed citizen,” said Kole Denny, officer for the Political Pioneers, a student organization at Watauga. He believes that students should be "watching the media from all angles and observing the information from multiple sources that lean in different ways.”

By observing information from several sources, voters are able to make their own decisions about which party to support in different races. Once voters know which side they fall on, their vote becomes more important than ever. 

“We are very divided in a two-party system, and even though each side has very different views, in order to see what you truly want and to share your opinion, it is important to vote,” said Denny. “It is your way of expressing yourself in a divided landscape.”

Despite major divisions between parties, neither side can deny the importance of a vote. Even if you are torn on who to vote for, a single vote can hold power; it can tip the scales in one direction or the other. 

“It’s important that we all commit to participating in the voting process, so I think it’s really important for people of all ages to register to vote,” said Vining. “It’s important to vote because our government power is derived from the people, and if you don’t vote, you’re not really using your power.”

For more information on how to register, visit: https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register