Many seniors who’ve turned 17 and 10 months old or older filled out a voter registration form for the very first time this year. The eldest members of the class of ‘25 will vote in their first presidential election on Nov. 5.

The 2024 election includes more than just the selection of the country’s most powerful person, however. Ballots will be counted in the race between incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and former professional football player turned politician, Democrat Collin Alred. Locally, voters will decide between incumbent Democrat U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett and Republican Jenny Garcia Sharon for control of Texas District 37.

Senior Avi Zeifman has eagerly waited for years for the ability to vote.

“It’s a really special event for me because I’ve been invested in politics for years,” Zeifman said. “I think a lot of people my age have been focusing on November as well. It seems like everyone who can is going to vote.”

As she casts her ballot for the very first time, Zeifman said she has been doing extensive research on the candidates and ballot measures at play.

“I have been paying attention to the news more than ever,” Zeifman said. “I also ask my family and teachers a lot of questions about the candidates’ policies to help me understand who I should vote for based on my values.”

Voting early and in person, senior Kai Talebi will vote in her first election this fall, an exciting milestone, she said, due to it being a presidential election year.

“It’s pretty exciting especially since this election will determine a lot of things and all my friends who can are very excited about voting,” Talebi said.

Talebi said she understands the issues and positions at stake in the election and is relying on family to learn more about the voting process.

“I have talked to my mom a lot, and we are going over the ballot together so that I know my plan for who I will vote for before going [to the polls],” Talebi said.

Zeifman is particularly engaged in this election because of her belief that the issues at hand will affect fundamental freedoms for all Americans.

“I’ve been really invested in abortion rights and freedoms for women ever since there were rumors of Roe v. Wade being overturned, and when it happened, I felt very powerless with my inability to vote,” Zeifman said. “Homelessness in Austin is also a big deal to me, and it’s very worrying seeing five to seven homeless people every time I drive to school and back. It makes me recognize that they aren’t getting the help they need.”

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to an abortion. The decision was leaked in May of that year, but it only took months for states to begin introducing legislation to bar all abortions, including Texas. Currently, in the Lone Star State, it is illegal to perform an abortion unless the life of the mother is at risk.

Talebi agrees with Zeifman’s assessment of the most important issues when voters head to the polls and said while there are many significant decisions to make, there is one issue that is top of mind.

“There are a lot [of issues] I think of but protecting women’s rights and bodily autonomy is one of the most important in my eyes,” Talebi said.

With the amount of misinformation and disinformation across social media this election cycle, senior Chander Tripathi said he has been careful where he has gotten information about the candidates.

“I feel like most TV stations try to make sensationalist content to make people mad and provide a sound chamber for their supporters,” Tripathi said. “I feel like it’s easy to get a variety of insights through news articles, so I prefer going that route.”

Tripathi estimates that 60% of his friends will be voting in this election.

Because Zeifman believes this election is consequential for all Americans and is longing for her moment to enter the voting room, she encourages all teenagers who can to vote.

“You should always vote if you are for people having a voice,” Zeifman said. “Vote!”

In a matter of days, Talebi will have her first votes counted, and she said casting her ballot is a preservation of democracy.

“Voting is such a privilege and can really make a difference since it’s your chance to really make your voice heard,” Talebi said.