Turning 18 is an important milestone in the life of a young person. Eighteen is the age of majority, the age when society begins to expect more of us. We have new rights and responsibilities; most importantly, the right and responsibility to vote. Here at Coachella Valley High School where 97 percent of us are Latino we have, perhaps, an even greater responsibility to vote.

It is estimated that Latinos will become the majority population in our valley within the next seven years. However, it is also estimated that even when that does happen, Latinos will not represent the majority of registered voters. That means the voice of the majority will not necessarily be heard. Our young voices are important; they need to be heard.

“Voting is a right that was fought for in the war for independence. And for women, it was not that long ago we got the right to vote. If we don’t vote, we are the ones who are going to live with the decisions others make. We need to know what is going on around us and have the courage to do something about the things we do not agree with.”—Eunice Rebollar, senior

“Register and vote so that people know you want your voice to count. Vote so you can help make a better future for yourself and your family.”—Eduardo Zepeda, junior

“Register to vote because it gives you a chance to have your opinion heard and if a group gets organized, it could change the direction of the country by voting.”—Robert Montenegro, junior

“As young adults, we know what people our age need and want, so voting can help us share that with others.”—Mireya Rodriguez, senior

“This is an election that every eligible teenager should vote in; there are so many of us. We can have a female or African-American president if we want. This is the time I have been waiting for, the time for change. This is the time to vote and make our country a better place. Just by voting I can make a difference.”—Silvia Espinoza, senior

“I think seniors at CV who can, should register and vote because together we can have an impact. Also, it will show people we actually do care who runs this country and how they run it.”—Salvador Rincon, senior

“We have the right to vote, and we should take advantage of something so valuable that many other people are not able to have.”—Imelda Garcia-Grande

“Everyone has an opinion and all of them count if you vote. Each vote makes a difference in our community. For me, education is an important issue; there needs to be more scholarships and money for those who want to go to college.”—Jessica Valdez, junior

“I think 18 year olds who can, should vote. We know what things affect us and voting is the only way we can say what we feel. If we get our votes in, people will start noticing us more.”—Abilenne Cruz, sophomore

“It is important for young people at the age of 18 to vote not only because their voices, opinions and beliefs will be heard, but because their votes can make a big difference in our community and our country. Even though a lot of people do not think 18 year olds are ready, I believe they are. Personally, I’m almost 18 and I am ready to vote.”—Melisa Ramirez, senior

“As an 18 year old Latina, I think it is very important to vote not just because I can, but because this election is history in the making. By voting, I can personally say I was part of it. By getting more Latinos to vote, I do think a difference can be made.”—Crystal Lopez, senior