With the presidential election a mere three weeks away and the country divided on pressing issues such as same-sex marriage, immigration and healthcare, many eligible seniors at Sherwood wish to express their political beliefs.

For one student, voting is a sensitive subject because he does not believe in the effectiveness of the current government system. “Honestly, I despise the American political system in place. But I believe the only way to try and fix it would be through voting,” said Colin Hambright, who is registered to vote in November. “I mainly think it’s the lack of enthusiasm for the government [that dissuades people from voting]. Politicians today have horrible reputations. Also, it’s difficult to feel as if one vote will actually make a difference.”

Even when there is a sense of disillusionment, one trait that defines many students is responsibility, as demonstrated by most seniors getting ready to vote. Of the students interviewed, only one 18-year-old responded that she would not be voting due to lack of faith in the system.

Matthew Kovalsky embodies youthful optimism as he prepares to vote in the upcoming election. “I am voting because I believe that the political leaders have a huge impact on our future, and if I don’t vote, I am not putting in effort as an eligible voter to make a difference by electing a president that I feel is fit for the job,” said Kovalsky.

“I can’t wait to voice my opinion in the political process through voting,” said Ryan Mercado, who became interested in politics after joining Model United Nations during his sophomore year. “I’m also voting because of the referendums that Maryland has this year. I think it’s important to be voting on issues like the casino, same sex marriage and tuition for illegal immigrants. I support all of those issues so I’m really excited to be voting for them.”

Despite the question of whether one vote can make a difference, many agree that being able to vote is a rite of passage, and some miss this experience in 2012 by only a matter of days or weeks.

Tess Walston turns 18 just three days after the election. “I really wish I could have voted, because it would have made me feel like I was actually a part of this country rather than just a kid,” Walston said. “Missing this election makes me want to take advantage of the next time I am able to vote. It makes me value the fact that people my age can be a part of the election process.”

Likewise, Steven Palmer misses the election by a short span of time, but is optimistic for the future, saying that he cannot wait to vote in the next election to voice his political opinions in a process that he said “is probably the most American thing one can do, and that’s a pretty popular feeling.”