As of October 13th, early voting has opened for Texas, and the 2020 Election has officially begun. Both Nancy Jo Lambert and Judith Bekerman have been working nonstop to ensure all students who are 18 are registered to vote and have been spreading awareness about the importance of voting.

The 2020 election is one of the most critical elections in history, with issues like the Affordable Care Act and Roe v. Wade are on the ballot. 

“I think that we often act like elections are ranked in importance. I personally view every election as super important,” A.P Government teacher Judith Bekerman said. “I think that there are many issues on the ballot this year but being as how it is a census year — redistricting weighs heavy on my mind.”

Besides the Presidential election, there are also state and local elections occurring, but voter turnout has been low in the last years for these critical matters.

“Local elections in Texas are very important; many of the issues that most impact Texans are decided at the local government level,” librarian Nancy Jo Lambert said. “Yet local elections produce very low turnout in Texas; that means a small percentage of Texans are deciding who will make important decisions for our communities.”

With COVID-19 still affecting America, fear plays a factor and even affects others willingness to vote in-person. 

“Polling locations are taking many precautions this year to mitigate the spread of Covid-19,” Lambert said. “I would encourage all voters to vote early because there are generally fewer people, and it’s easier to get in and out and cast your ballot.”

Both Bekerman and Lambert are proud Americans who vote like their life depends on it, and they encourage others to do the same.

“I love taking part in democracy. I want to honor the women that fought hard for me to be allowed a say in politics,” Bekerman said. “I love that I get an opportunity to register how I feel about issues by casting my ballot.”

With a new group of teenagers able to vote, it’s quintessential to understand the privilege of being able to vote.

“I would say to vote because you only get to do it once every four years, and it is always best to do your due diligence as a US citizen.” senior Addison Kerbow said. “I’m voting in this election because I just turned 18 and am excited to see my vote count towards this election.”

This election year can be exhausting; it can feel like something ground-breaking happens every hour. But, a reminder about the future can help.

“You have many moons to walk this earth, and you have lots of decisions being made at the local, state, and federal levels that will have a direct impact on your life now and in the future, and the average age of a US Senator is 60 — think about it. Have you watched the Senate grill the tech CEOs? These are the people drafting our legislation.”