Eligible Fresno Christian students participate for the first time in Election Day 2018, Nov. 6.

Seniors (pictured left to right) Jacob Scully, Ronnie Peterson, Bethany Pouliot and Darrin Williams all recently turned 18 and plan to vote after school. Other members of the class that are of age did not share the same enthusiasm to participate.

Studies have shown, 74% of teens say they will vote when they are of age but only 28% actually voted. Statistics done through Vox.

Pouliot shares her excitement on being old enough to finally vote, and how she prepared for voting.

“I wanted to vote because I was finally the right age,” Pouliot said. “I felt informed on what I was voting for. after talking with my mom. She made sure I knew all the information to so that I could understand what I was voting for.”

The Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution changed the voting age from 21-18 years old. During the 1960s, men were drafted into the Vietnam War at younger ages then voting allowed. Through student activism and a supreme court case, Oregon v. Mitchell, this amendment was ratified July 1, 1971.

For Fresno County election results, view the county election website. 

For more Feather photos, visit media, photos 2018-19.