CVHS students vote for their education

The 2012 election is in full swing, and some lucky CVHS students will be able to vote this November in an increasingly close race between President Barack Obama, a Democrat, and Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican.

Some students are very excited to vote and have the opportunity to voice their opinions. One such young voter is senior Olivia Mill, who commented, “I am voting because I think it’s important. I want an opportunity to have a say.”

Students have different opinions regarding who should win the election, and will be voting for different candidates.

“I’m voting for Obama,” Mill commented. “I like his policies and what he has to say, and I don’t trust the Republican Party.”

Senior Tiffani Truscott disagrees, supporting Romney.

“What has Obama done? He hasn’t done anything but increase the national debt, and I don’t trust what he will do. It’s time for someone new,” she commented.

Why are students so involved in the election? It may be because the issues at hand could affect their education.

Obama aims to abolish the No Child Left Behind law, which requires states to develop assessments testing basic skills in order to receive funding for schools. He supports a “Race to the Top” competition, where high achieving states can win extra funding for schools.  For higher education, Obama wants to reduce college costs. He wants to increase Pell grants, which are government grants given to students under a certain income. He plans to have the Department of Education create a website explaining college costs, make financial aid awards more understandable, cut interest rates on loans, and expand income-based repayment plans, all making college more affordable for the average person.

Romney, conversely, supports the No Child Left Behind Law, and claims that Obama’s “Race to the Top” plan would introduce too much government involvement. He wants more funding for charter schools, for-profit colleges, and school vouchers. He rejects Obama’s goal to increase Pell grants, claiming that federal aid will increase tuition. Romney supports a higher education system that depends on private loans.

Although there is much at stake for students in this upcoming election, some who are able to vote still abstain.

Senior Cole Stanford says that politics are not for him.

“Voting between the two candidates is like choosing between Mario and Luigi. In the end, neither will save the princess,” he explained.