As I walked through the halls of my Philadelphia high school in the days leading up to the election, I felt a growing sense of urgency about the political landscape. On the eve of an off-year election, many voters didn’t seem to recognize the importance of going to the polls. Yet when we considered our civic duty, participation was essential. For young adults like me, every election day serves as a reminder that democracy is not a distant concept, it’s a fragile, living process that I will soon be part of.
The November 4 election, which saw lower turnout than presidential election years, focused on local and Commonwealth-level offices. These positions may have seemed minor, but the stakes were anything but small. Those elected to judicial and city offices have a direct impact on our daily lives. As a senior preparing to graduate, the outcome of this election shaped the environment I’m about to enter.
Why did this matter to me? Because voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape the communities we live in. The policies and the people who enact them influence jobs, safety, education, housing, and much more. As a young person, seeing others engaged in the voting process reminded me that I’ll soon have that right—and responsibility—too. And when that time comes, I must help lead the next generation. If we don’t take it seriously now, how can we expect meaningful change later?
Philadelphia had its own unique dynamics. Local races and judicial appointments often received less attention than national contests, but they were no less important. According to voter guides, many ballot items included the retention of judges in municipal roles (source: seventy.org). When I thought about that, I realized the people making decisions close to home were being chosen that day—and that made me pay attention.
I cared deeply about my neighborhood, my community, my city, my Commonwealth, and my country. I cared about the present and the future—about who was making decisions and the power they held to inspire and uplift the next generation. That’s why I encouraged others to vote. I reminded them to look up their polling place, plan their visit, and live out the ideals of democracy. For those unable to vote this time, I urged them to register so they wouldn’t miss the next opportunity. (Visit: vote.phila.gov)
Some may not have thought each voice mattered, but for me, this election felt like a milestone for many. I’ll be graduating soon and registering to vote. November 4 was real—it reminded me that democracy isn’t passive; it requires engagement. The election in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania wasn’t just for older generations—it was for people like me, who will live with the decisions made. It was a chance to show that our community cares about its future and that paying attention to our local officials truly matters. I watched what happened—and I’ll be ready when my turn to vote arrives. I can’t wait!