Although he can not vote, senior Dotan Appelbaum feels pride in doing what he can to help in the upcoming presidential election.

“I think it’s a really great experience to be involved in civic life,” Appelbaum said. “I can’t vote so this is one way I can actually be a part of the election.”

History teacher Carley Kregness said her IB students were invited to do a variety of jobs as election judges for this year.

“Every polling place has election judges that are volunteers. They do things like telling you where to line up,” Kregness said. “When you check in, everybody has to sign next to their name and address to make sure you’re in the right precinct so they have you sign off. Also, they give you a ballot, and they’ll direct you to the voting station.”

Senior Anya Lindell Paulson said she chose to participate for the experience as well as the pay.

“I decided to do it because they pay you,” Lindell Paulson said. “I thought it would be really interesting to be involved in the election process this year.”

Appelbaum said the election allows an opportunity for students to apply knowledge they have gained from school.

“If you can vote you absolutely should, but if you can’t vote then maybe you should get involved in a campaign you’re interested in, be an election judge,” Appelbaum said. “Do something that has to do with what it is you’re learing in class. Put that in your real life experience.”

Kregness said getting involved early in the election provides benefits for future voting.

“(Election judging) teaches you a ton about the process,” Kregness said. “When they go to vote they’ll know what to expect. It’s a perfect way to gauge in the election process.”

According to Lindell Paulson, students should stay mindful about the country’s current state.

“I think it’s important because people should be informed about what’s going on in the country,” Lindell Paulson said. “Especially since our election process is so big. It’s how we get our government officials.”

Kregness said she believes voting truly matters.

“I think every election is important,” Kregness said. “I’ve voted in every election I could because I believe the consequences of elections matter. If you care about what happens you need to vote.”