The James Logan Courier

By Krystal Henderson, Courier News Editor

Many Logan seniors will soon be a part of the American democratic process as they cast their first official votes ever in California's presidential primary election on Tuesday.

The California Primary has been moved up to February 5, with the intention of giving the country's most populated state, and the fifth largest economy in the world a greater say in the presidential nominating process.

"Moving up the primary from June to February gives California the influence it deserves in choosing the next presidential candidates,” explained Governor Schwarzenegger in an article on TheCaliforniaPrimary.com webpage. This change of date affects all California voters, especially Logan’s Class of 2008, many of which will cast their first presidential primary votes.

“I am eligible, and I will vote,” said senior Carolina Vargas. “Voting is showing you’re a citizen of the United States. It is important for me to vote because who wants a president that is weak and does not do things for the people? Like Bush, he must be ashamed of the failures going through his
head.”

Eric Domingo, a senior, said he believes voting gives him a “voice” in the country. “Even though it’s just one little vote, it means a lot to me. It makes me feel that I have a chance to express myself, as a citizen of this country. I want to vote for a president that I think is best for our nation.”

Senior Christian Okeze plans on voting in November, but he is more excited about graduating.

“Although being able to vote for president is exciting…I do not believe that my vote would make a difference. By me graduating high school, I am beginning a new life of my own.”

Due to their ages, some seniors will not vote in February or November, but must wait another four years before they can vote.

“It’s cool, but honestly, I feel left out,” said Mahzabeen Ali, a senior. “It’s not my fault my birthday’s at the end of the year!”

Which candidate seniors would like to see in office?

“When I vote,” answered Okeze “I plan on voting for Obama. I believe that the United States needs a change, for once. Electing the first African American president is the first crucial step towards change.”

Vargas said that she is in-between Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton. “The one most likely to get my vote is Clinton; her husband was a great president, and I think that she would be, too. Obama doesn’t have that much experience, so I’m still thinking about it.”

“I don’t know yet,” Domingo said simply.

“If I could,” Ali answered, “I would vote for Obama because he looks like the type of person who can straighten up our country and economy.”

Voters will also be deciding whether to support several important propositions on the ballot.