Amidst a rapidly changing political environment, first time voters across the country are 

preparing to vote in the 2024 presidential election in November.

With the first female Vice President, Kamala Harris, and 45th president Donald Trump running head to head in a close race, student voters are considering important political factors that will help shape the future of America.

Senior Natalie Martinez is enthusiastic about voting in this election and believes that voting is essential in improving American society. 

“Voting is important because it’s putting your voice out there for what you want,” she said.

“Depending on who we vote for, hopefully our needs and wants will be met.”

Being a first-time voter in this election is significant to Martinez and she hopes that the future president will help improve the American educational system, enhance affordable housing, and manage rent control.

“Hoping to better our community is something I want,” she said.

Martinez admires candidate Kamala Harris as she could possibly be the first female president in American history.

“This election is special because it’s the second time a woman is running for president and for a female myself that is so inspiring,” she said.

After Harris replaced Biden as the Democratic candidate in July, senior Kayla Aguilar gained an increased interest in voting in the upcoming election.

“It was pretty exciting because there’s another chance for the first woman president,” she said.

Aguilar also believes that the 2024 election stands out from past elections because of Trump’s criminal cases and Harris running against him as a woman.

“With Biden dropping out of the next election and Trump being reelected as a candidate, it’s pretty different from any of the past elections that we’ve had so far,” she said.

Aguilar believes that participating in this election is necessary and impactful. 

“It can be very important, especially with Trump’s accusations and Kamala being possibly the first female president in history.”