Teens Make Their Voices Heard by Voting

On November 5, Americans across the country will head to the polls to ensure their voices are heard and their votes are counted. The 2024 election will be historic for many reasons, but there is one group for whom this election will be particularly special: first-time voters. We spoke with three NFTY teens who will be casting their votes for the first time this election: Mads Barenboim (she/her) in Florida, Shayna Levy (she/her) in Texas, and Addison Norris (she/her) of Ohio. These teens told us the issues that speak most deeply to them, how their identities impact their voting decisions, and what they're doing to change the world beyond the ballot box.

Casting your vote for the first time is an important moment in the life of anyone who lives in a democracy that depends on the participation of its citizens. This was mirrored in teens' responses when we asked them how they were feeling ahead of filling out their ballots for the first time.

Mads Barenboim shared, "I am really excited to vote and be a part of such an important election." Barenboim reflected about how Kamala Harris inspires her: "I admire her career as someone who wants to go into politics and law."

Shayna Levy explained that, to her, voting for the first time feels like a rite of passage: "I had always imagined [voting] as being something that was so grown-up. Now, I finally get to create change at the ballot box."

Addison Norris said, "it feels amazing to finally participate in democracy because I know how much power my vote has."

The process of researching candidates is something everyone approaches differently, whether through watching debates, following candidates on social media, and/or checking trusted websites to see how candidates have voted on issues in the past. However, what remains consistent for most voters is that they vote based on issues that resonate with them.

Levy shared that the three most important issues to her are preventing gun violence, protecting the right to vote, and addressing climate change. Norris shared that candidates' positions on healthcare are what decide her vote, saying "Project 2025 [which would, among other things, restrict reproductive freedom] should not be a reality for women in America." Barenboim shared that it was impossible to pick one issue that would be a deciding factor, but cited reproductive freedom and gun violence prevention as being two issues that influence who will receive her support.

All three teens mentioned that their identity as Reform Jews also played a key role in their votes. Norris shared that her Jewish identity influences her in that she pays close attention to each candidate's views on Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East as well as how much support they plan to provide. Levy shared, "my Judaism has taught me to be an empathetic and engaged citizen." She elaborated that Judaism has taught her the importance of community, caring for her neighbors, and fighting for what is right, which is what has led her to be so passionate about issues that matter to her. Barenboim shared that her beliefs have been influenced by her involvement with her temple and camp, allowing her to develop her beliefs in a supportive environment. Her beliefs, in turn, deeply impacted how she chose her preferred candidate.

One of Judaism's core tenets is tikkun olam, repairing the world. As we're taught in "Pirkei Avot," "You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it" (2:21). As the conversation drew to a close, we asked these teens how they plan to change the world.

Barenboim stated that she hopes to one day go into politics. Her dreams include working in the West Wing of the White House as a speechwriter, lobbyist, press secretary, or policy writer.

Norris also hopes to change the world via politics, as she is currently majoring in political science. She added, "I love yelling at people and telling them to vote!"

Levy takes a more grass-roots approach to changing the world, explaining "I'm being the change I wish to see not only by voting, but by encouraging others to vote." She added, "I have also tried to be involved with causes I care about and encouraging others to get involved as well."

There is no doubt that this year's election will have far-reaching implications no matter the outcome. However, we can be encouraged by these teens' examples. Their determination to create a bright future and just democracy shows that our country is in good hands.

Norris, Levy, and Barenboim each pointed out that democracy requires everyone's participation. Hopefully, these teens inspire you to cast your vote, too.

Want to help get out the vote? Learn about the Reform Movement's nonpartisan Every Voice, Every Vote campaign! 

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