Voting is a foundational aspect of the American government, whether it’s the famous “I voted” stickers or the mock elections from elementary school days.
While it may seem unimportant to those who are newly 18, voting is a fundamental human right that people should exercise. Whether someone is the most educated person in the school or doesn’t have any idea what midterms are, voting is something that everyone in the U.S. has a right to do.
“I think it’s an essential part of our society,” English teacher and teachers union representative Andrew Shriner said. “I think it’s a great privilege that we have, and it’s a responsibility that we have then too.”
The first step of voting is to register. Then to be eligible to vote for the 2026 midterms in Indiana, people must be 18 by November 3, 2026, and be a U.S. citizen. Voters also have to have lived in a precinct for a minimum of 30 days and not have committed a felony or currently be in jail.
People can register online at www.indianavoters.in.gov or in person at the county’s voter registration office or the Indiana Election Division. As long as the student has a license or state-issued identification, the process should take no longer than 10 minutes.
The next step is choosing candidates and becoming informed on their policies. When registering, voters may register under a specific party, like Republican or Democrat. However, learning about all candidates and how their policies may align with you makes sure that elections are fair to everyone.
While almost everyone knows about the presidential races that happen every four years, local elections, primaries and midterms are just as or even more important.
“Even if you don’t feel qualified, just doing a basic search and reading their [the candidates’] websites, getting to know their policies, what they believe, and making your best decision about what’s best for us, is your part,” Shriner said.
The elections closest to now are the midterms and primaries. The midterms happen between presidential elections and allow voters to choose their members of Congress. These elections also can involve other positions like state attorney general or town council members.
While this election is in November, the primaries are in May. While the primaries do not choose who will be in office, it allows party members to choose who their candidates will be in the fall.
Using your voice as a young person can be difficult, but voting ensures that your voice is heard. If you need any more information on how to vote, go to www.indianavoters.in.gov.
“I just encourage anyone who’s eligible to vote and to speak out for what you think is right,” senior and registered voter Izaya Douglas said.
