If you are a senior, you’re just at the cusp of freedom, with fewer than five months until graduation. This monumental moment will mark the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. Before you go, think about the legacy you want to leave behind. 

Voting is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to make a difference. If you are 18, you can vote in local elections on April 1. You can help decide who will be elected to run our village government, parks, libraries and schools – including the school board at Oak Park and River Forest High School. 

You may be asking yourself: Why does the school board matter if I won’t be at OPRF next year? Does my voice even matter?

Unlike national elections, where millions of votes are cast, local elections often come down to a handful of voters. Local elections often have low turnout, especially from young voters. If you felt like your opinion and values were not reflected in our most recent elections, this is your opportunity to make it known. Your singular ballot carries so much weight. 

While large elections, such as our most recent presidential election, dominate headlines, your local election shapes the policies that affect your everyday life. If you’ve ever been frustrated about the resources in certain classrooms, wished there was more funding for the arts or more inclusive policies, those are all policies that can be changed through casting your ballot.

As new voters, our generation is passionate about climate change, social justice and education reform. Local elections give you a direct line of influence, electing officials who will shape the futures of your younger siblings, neighbors or even kids you previously mentored.

This local election cycle, policies that involve issues like anti-semitism, detracking, sustainability and public safety are all on the table. Each candidate brings different perspectives a nd priorities that they are passionate about, so informed voting is extremely important. 

For example, two very different candidates are in the race for village president. Current Village President Vicki Scaman is focused on a transparent government that provides services, while her opponent, current Trustee Ravi Parakkat, aims to attract businesses through private investment and create a more efficient government. (see story, page 1). 

In our school board race, we have a write-in candidate, David Schaafsma, whose name won’t appear on the ballot unless voters decide to write it in themselves. This is one of the most hotly contested school board races in years, with two opposing groups of candidates that represent very different visions for what our school should become. (see story, page TK).

By voting, you’re showing that your leadership goes beyond the sports field or the theater stage. It extends to the choices you make for your community. You have been a part of OPRF’s legacy for the past four years. Now you have the power to shape its future. 

So before you turn your tassel and throw your cap, take one last step to leave OPRF better than you found it. Alongside this article are resources to keep you educated. Find out about the candidates, learn about the issues they are passionate about and cast an informed vote on April 1.