As midterm elections and Election Day get closer, seniors are getting ready to cast their first votes.  

Incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, faces off against former congressman Beto O’Rourke, D-Texas, for the position of Texas governor. 

“My family and I are all voting for Beto,” senior David Estrada said. “We just feel like he represents us.” 

Estrada recently turned 18 and said he is excited to do his civic duty.  

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, the percentage of young voters has been steadily increasing, though some young people have been expressing their frustrations at their inability to vote. 

“I would love to vote,” senior Kaitlyn Thomas, 17, said. “More young people are getting involved in politics and, like, we want to vote.” 

Thomas is not eligible to vote until February and, like many of her classmates, does not have the ability to vote until next year’s general election. For those students who can vote, economics teacher Lance Cleveland encourages those to participate.

“Get out there and vote if you can,” Cleveland said. “If for no other reason than to control where your money is going.” 

The Texas Tribune has reported low turnout numbers for the 2022 election. For more information on learning how to vote in Texas or checking voter registration, click here.