The horrors of school shootings and the lack of a reasonable response from the government have mobilized teenagers all over the country. This is terrific, but I want that energy to continue to the voting booth and beyond.

I don’t have children and have not been involved with kids very much during my lifetime. But I was a child once, and a rebellious teenager. If I were 16 instead of 76, I would be out there leading the charge in my school and in my community, that’s for sure. So, I relate to those kids who have taken a stand and understand that this is a long fight, and it won’t end tomorrow no matter how many marches are planned. They must sustain that commitment to change over the long haul.

We have a chance to change things this November. If everyone registered to vote and then voted, and if they spent some time learning about the issues and candidates, there might be a chance to turn this horror show around. I would think that if nothing else, learning that we have been censured by the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations for the barbaric way our government is tearing children from their mother’s arms and putting them in a detention facility would energize even lazy voters.

On Vashon, we have about 11,000 people. In the last general election, which was one of the most dramatic and contentious in history, only 4,300 of us voted. That’s pathetic. There are those who strongly disagree with my political point of view and some whose point of view I disagree with just as strongly. But there is no excuse, especially with a mail-in ballot, (!) to not vote.

Now is the time to start getting ready. Learn about the candidates, read up on their experience and viewpoints. If you are so inclined, volunteer for the candidates you support and send them money to run their campaign. But most important, get those kids out to register and help them turn things around.

— Emma Amiad