Politics is often a topic avoided in school settings, with teachers even prohibited from sharing their opinions with students. Yet, despite the thousands of seniors at Francis Lewis High School—some of whom are eligible to vote—the majority show little interest in the upcoming election. This lack of engagement not only signals low student involvement in politics but also raises a larger question: why aren’t more students interested in voting?
Some believe it’s due to their age or a limited understanding of how political outcomes could shape their futures. Others point to social media, where constant memes and jokes about elections make them seem insignificant. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t diminish the students who are engaged and eager to participate. However, compared to the many who remain disinterested, the gap is significant. It’s crucial for students to become more politically aware—not just at FLHS but at high schools everywhere—as they are the generation that will one day lead.
“I didn’t think I could ever be part of the majority, not realizing that I could actually make up the majority,” said Chloe Lee, a senior who attended a Youth Voters event earlier this year. “I could be one of the voices in the majority, but I hadn’t thought about it like that because I grew up in Whitestone and Flushing, where I was used to different perspectives.”
Many teens use social media to express their political opinions, openly sharing who they support and why. However, for young, newly eligible voters, this flood of opinions can make researching elections overwhelming, drowning out the unbiased information they need to form their own judgments.
“I feel like social media has made a big impact on everyone’s opinion of the election. I think certain people have supported one side a little too much and have tried to bring down the other candidate in a very negative way, and I don’t agree with that,” said Anastasia Angelopoulou, a senior who is eligible to vote. “That’s also one of the reasons I don’t want to vote—I don’t know if what’s coming out is true or not.”
Social media serves as a reminder that every action has a reaction. Every post a user interacts with—by liking, commenting, or sharing—shapes their feed, determining what they see every time they open Instagram or TikTok. While social media exposes teens to both Republican and Democratic viewpoints, engaging with even one post can shift an algorithm to prioritize similar content, filtering out opposing perspectives. This makes it difficult to form a well-rounded, balanced view.
“In this generation, because the Republican and Democratic parties are so divided, social media has made it worse,” Lee explained. “And because of this, it has impacted my viewpoint—I’m more exposed to Democratic news than Republican news.”
Many young voters struggle to determine what media sources they can trust, as much of what they consume is opinion-based rather than fact-based. Unlike traditional news outlets, which focus on reporting verified information, social media is often dominated by personal takes and viral trends. Reliable facts are exactly what young voters need to feel confident in their decisions.
“I feel like, since the media has covered so much of both sides, teens don’t know who to trust or which choice is best,” Angelopoulou said. “Even though there’s a lot of coverage, I don’t think they have enough knowledge to vote, and I don’t think it’s within their interests to do so.”
Although most teens we spoke to said they wouldn’t be voting this year, they expressed confidence that they’ll be more prepared for the next election. They anticipate becoming more knowledgeable about political issues and feeling more mature—ready to make informed decisions that will shape the country’s future.
“Yes, I think I’ll definitely vote in the next election because I’ll be older and able to make a better, more informed decision,” Angelopoulou said. “Right now, I feel too young to make a choice that will shape the future of this country.”
The feeling of being under-informed about candidates is common among young voters. This year’s election seems particularly divisive, adding to the pressure and uncertainty many teens feel.
“Maybe when I get older and understand the issues better,” said Dora Wong, an eligible voter at FLHS. “Nowadays, we’re influenced by social media and friends. Everyone’s talking about the debate and the elections, and as an 18-year-old, I feel influenced by others and unable to form my own judgments.”
Even for those who choose not to vote this year due to uncertainty or lack of information, there are still ways to get involved, such as volunteering at polling stations. Lee also shared advice on how students can start preparing for future elections by researching candidates and building confidence in their ability to make informed choices.
“I know it may seem ridiculous, but I’m not saying you have to sit in front of the TV for hours,” Lee said. “Read reliable sources, like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal, which frequently publish updates about the election. It’s essential to follow how these candidates are planning for America’s future.”
