I Voted

On Tuesday, November 5, many students and teachers alike will head out to the polls to cast their ballots in the presidential election. Even though much of the student body is not yet eligible to vote, the school has taken many measures in ensuring education about and participation in the election. For many in the senior class, however, it is their very first time voting. 

Head of School Quentin McDowell stated, “Mercersburg has actively encouraged students who are eligible to register to vote, even providing opportunities to do so during events such as the presidential debate watch party. As an institution, we want all of our students and employees to understand and appreciate the civic duty we all have to participate in local, state, and national elections.” 

Allison Stephens, Co-Leader of the Civic Engagement Task Force, said, “it’s not just about voting. It’s really about expression. It's about responsibility in a community. Knowing when to step back. Knowing when to move forward.”

English department chair Michelle Poacelli said, “The school has made an intentional decision to widen the context by ensuring that the dialogue remains grounded in civics rather than simply a fight between Harris and Trump.”

Gianna Anthony ’25, a day student from Mercersburg, dropped off her ballot at an early voting center this week. She said, “Being a first time voter, the process and the research I have done into each running candidate has been helpful. It is a critical, civic duty to vote during this election.” Her sentiments echo how students are thinking independently, rather than simply parroting the political views of their peers and families. 

Similarly, Gavin Williams ’25, another day student from Mercersburg who plans to vote next week, said, “Both parties have become quite vicious towards each other, creating a very uncomfortable environment to vote in.” 

Students from other states have the option to vote either in Pennsylvania, where they have resided for the past 30 days, or in their respective home states. 

AS Comparative Government teacher Emily Schoenberger said, “I hope students will be strategic about it, because their vote might have more of an impact here than it does in their home state.” 

According to her, being in a swing state makes students more aware of the election overall, partly due the sheer amount of selective campaigning being done in Pennsylvania from both sides. 

Axel Fleury ’25, a senior who hails from Georgia, said, “I voted with a mail-in ballot to Georgia, and I felt proud voting there because it is also a swing state.” 

Oscar Su ’25, a day student from Maryland, who will also be casting his ballot, said, “My vote in Maryland is more of a symbolic gesture, but I do have a stake in who I want to be the governor of Maryland.” Su also hopes that anyone who can vote in Pennsylvania will, as it is “a civic duty.”

Considering the importance of the election here in Pennsylvania, students of Mercersburg play a vital role. McDowell stated, “It is indeed especially important for residents of swing states to cast a ballot given that the margin of difference between candidates can be so narrow. Every vote truly counts.”

With the election only days away, both students and faculty at Mercersburg Academy eagerly anticipate the results of this ever-so-tight race.