As ballots are being submitted this election season, some Judge students have mailed in their votes. However, the majority are still waiting to be eligible to vote. But in a community dedicated to building a more just society, students still care deeply about current events and are committed to shaping the future.  In interviews with several sophomores and juniors, it’s clear that Judge students care deeply about a range of issues in their community.

For many students, human rights and social justice are incredibly important. Juniors Lucy Becker and Walden Smith agreed women’s rights are an incredibly crucial topic that they care about deeply as women. 

Junior Tessa Fowler also said human rights and equality were one of the key issues for her. Tessa cares especially about women’s equality in sports. 

“I play lacrosse and watch a ton of women’s sports, and there’s lots of inequality, I’d like that to change. It affects me every day.” she said. 

Students also follow ballot issues around environmental conservation closely. Sophomore Sophie Grafer said she follows climate change news closely, and wants to see action taken this election season.

 “I see issues from climate change happening in my day to day life, in a way where it affects people and the way our society functions. With addressing this problem, the people in our world and our world could be changed for the better,” Sophie says. 

This is a common sentiment, the majority of interviewees listed climate change among their key concerns.

But this is not all. The issues that matter to our students are diverse and show our communities commitment to change. 

For example, junior Annabelle Staub said, “I care a lot about abuse and the legal system. Abuse is more common than people think and kept under wraps most of the time…  and the legal system is really messed up, and causes a lot more harm than good to children and families.” 

Immigration rights are also very important, whose families are directly affected by immigration policies. 

Junior Sophia Tomczak said “I have family in El Salvador who struggle with entering the United States and I really care about them and what might happen to them.”  This is a reality for many students at Judge.

As this election season wraps up, the voices of students serve as a powerful reminder that regardless of voting age, Judge students are engaged and care deeply about our community. From human rights to climate change to immigration law, students at Judge are dedicated advocates for change.