For the last few weeks, local Houstonians have begun to cast their ballots for the 2022 midterm elections.

Many St. John’s seniors have had the chance to vote for the first time through early voting, and many more will be voting on election day, Nov. 8. This year’s ballot will highlight a few topics that have recently sparked heated debates, including abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

Mavericks are becoming more politically engaged and aware through clubs and courses offered at the School, such as through the Justice and Equity class, headed by Director of Spiritual Life Ned Mulligan. For years, Mulligan has seen a change within students when they assert their viewpoints on the political spectrum.

“They’re willing to take a more definitive stance on something that is moral versus immoral,” Mulligan said. “And they’re not worried about being judged.”

Some Upper School students are apprehensive to express their views due to stigmas surrounding their political standpoints. In the past, members of the Young Conservatives Club have experienced some of this hesitance.

“We try to promote the acceptance and the sharing of ideas across the student body,” said Vincent Reyes, Co-Vice President of YCC. “No one will ever be shot down or turned away.”

The St. John’s Political Education Club has held forums throughout the year to further educate SJS students about political issues. These forums aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere for students to openly share their ideas.

Although Liberals and Conservatives differ in their ideals and opinions, both the Young Liberals Organization and YCC hope that students will hear every side of an argument and feel able to discuss their ideas with little judgment.

“It’s hard to understand a broader reality when you get used to seeing only your own perspective,” Co-President of YCC Eloise Chapman said.

While many seniors will be able to participate in this election, most students are not yet old enough to vote. Despite their ineligibility, many of these students have found other ways to express their voices, such as through internships in political campaigns.

Junior Ava Mostyn, 11th-Grade Representative of YLO, volunteers for Harris County judge candidate Lina Hidalgo’s campaign and stresses that every person’s vote matters.

“Voting depends on trying to educate people because a lot of political issues come from miseducation,” Mostyn said.

Mostyn says that many people think that their individual vote does not matter. She counters this point by saying that if every person thought this way, there would be no votes to decide the outcomes of crucial elections.

“Voting is your chance for your voice to be heard in democracy,” Mostyn said.