Zoe Moss '25
On November 8th, a slew of ‘Just Voted’ stickers arrived on campus stuck proudly to the sweaters of faculty, staff, and a handful of seniors. The midterm elections were being held, and there was a recognizable, energetic buzz school wide. In all of its isolation, Cate does not shy away from navigating the difficult American political landscape, so much so that just walking to class a few days prior, posters taped to walls detailing notable propositions on the ballot could be seen; Here were just a few, Prop. 1, regarding abortion rights, Prop. 30, taxation of the wealthy, and Prop. 31, upholding the ban of flavored tobacco throughout the state.
This midterm election was particularly significant, as the control of the Senate and House of Representatives were decided in a nail biting race on live television. The race for governorship throughout the states also remained prevalent, as California witnessed the re-election of Gavin Newsom. Even the smaller counties, like Santa Barbara, showed up with a majority 56.7% voter turnout rate, as compared to California’s total 50.4%, according to the California Secretary of State . However, for a school of young people, some of whom voted this year and many of whom plan to vote in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, why does this matter?
Talking about American politics in its current state is impossible without mentioning the recent Roe v. Wade overturn, as it’s yet another reminder that who and what one votes for is imperative. During this midterm election, the power of such vote was demonstrated, especially regarding policies like California’s own Proposition 1 regarding the addition of abortion rights to this state’s constitution. Many youth voters recognized this importance and turned to the polls this year, which was demonstrated by a study done on the Midterms by Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic life and published in the New York Times, in which youth voter turnout was measured as approximately 27%; An all time high since the election in 2018. This increase is owed not only to Generation Z’s interactivity with social media, but a moment within this country that forces us all to engage.
A few weeks ago, when the elections swept through California, the Politics in America class at Cate held a mock election that covered everything the actual ballot proposed just a few miles away in Carpinteria. Select results and details were then presented in an assembly, which was a fascinating insight not only into our school’s political environment, but to its readiness to include everyone in the participation of real-world politics. An examination of this mock-election can be found in the recent article by Nate Newlove, which takes a step back to look at how the community at Cate might reflect the real world.
As a place that encourages students to learn, grow, and find new ways to address challenging issues, community service is arguably the most important value this school holds. It is what holds up this institution, found obviously in the school's own motto, ‘Servons.’ In our American democracy, to serve the community is to vote, to put our voices out into the world and enact change by electing representatives we hope will serve us, too. As Cate students, and many who will soon become of legal voting age, it is our responsibility to inform and involve ourselves.
In the years to follow, Cate should continue to facilitate a place in which students and faculty can talk politically, because it’s a sign that the youth are not only ready and open to learning, but to leading each other through events like the Midterm Elections. Especially keeping in mind current political conflict and conversation, students have a lot to keep talking about, but I have no doubt that the discussion at Cate will remain alive.
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