A group of 18 students walk off the bus and into the sub-courthouse for early voting. Three people are working and ready to help the students sign in and vote. Each year, Mansfield ISD funds a trip for Government classes to visit polling stations during early voting. Often, students vote for the first time on this trip. Senior Logan Hall voted for the first time on Oct. 25 from Ms. Panzarella’s government class.

“It was my first time voting, so it was kind of nerve-racking. Luckily, the workers were very helpful,” Hall said. “[Ms. Panzarella] showed me where to go and made me understand the importance of voting.”

The trip involves students eligible to vote and those not old enough. The classes toured the rooms of the courthouse and met some of the people who work there. Students got to look at the courtroom on the upper floor, the office where you can purchase a personalized license plate or register your vehicle, and the county records office where you can request a copy of your birth certificate or apply for a marriage license.

“One class even got to meet and take a picture with Sandra Lee, our Constable for Precinct 7,” Ms. Panzarella said. “One of the deputies let some of the students try on his handcuffs and posed for pictures pretending to arrest them.”

Ms. Panzarella provided students with voter registration packets before the election trip day. Upon entry, students presented their IDs and voter registration cards. Before the trip, students researched the election candidates and issues to help them vote smoothly.  

“I think the importance of voting is the way I get a say in how our country runs and operates,” Hall said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be nervous because it’s very easy and quick.”

It’s important to vote in small and large elections because all elections will affect American citizens whether it is at a local scale or national scale. Voting allows citizens to make the changes they wish to see in the government and community.

“I think it is important for everyone to vote as soon as they can and in every election,” Ms. Panzarella said. “Your mayor or your school board members are going to be making policies that impact your community directly, so it is important that have a say in who those people are.”

Through elections, citizens use their voices and express their opinions. Strategies for efficient voting include having all of the needed information and knowing who or what is on the ballot beforehand.

“It is important to know that you cannot use an electronic device in the room with the voting machines, so you can’t look things up on your phone once you arrive at the polling location,” Ms. Panzarella said. “Our poll workers are amazing people who are very passionate about the importance of voting, so you can always ask the people working the polls to help you through the process. They will answer all your questions and get you set up to vote.”