It’s no secret that this is an extremely significant year in American politics. As we gear up for a historic presidential election, all eyes are on the U.S. In particular, all eyes are on key swing states, including Pennsylvania, Nevada, and our very own state of Wisconsin, in which minuscule percentage points will determine the next president, senate majority, and countless local representatives. And yet, many Appleton North high school students remain largely tuned out of this political dialogue. Regardless of your political views, staying aware of local and national politics is important. We must stop viewing political education as optional and begin viewing it as a civic duty. Modern political discourse is often disheartening, so we can understand why so many North students choose to turn a blind eye. Although we completely understand a lack of political involvement, we each have a responsibility to actively work against this mindset. No matter how hard we try to ignore politics, the decisions made by local, state, and federal representatives affect every element of our lives, ranging from the age we get kicked off of our parent’s healthcare networks to access to abortion. The issues at stake are large enough we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and understand them. On top of our freedoms, human lives abroad are also at stake this November. In a predominantly wealthy and safe community such as Appleton, we have the luxury of turning a blind eye to America’s international impact. Choices we make in the ballot box will impact whether a ceasefire deal between Israel and Gaza is established. On top of this, allocation within the national budget for critical Ukrainian aid packages has the power to prevent further Russian encroachment. No matter how little we enjoy politics, our tax money funds missiles, bombs, and peace negotiations. Turning a blind eye to politics means turning a blind eye to human lives. We are less than a month away from a historically significant Presidential election. Even if you are too young to vote, I implore you to take the time to stay educated. Small decisions like asking family members if they are registered to vote add up, especially considering Wisconsin’s power to decide the election this November. At Appleton North and throughout the country, we need to shift our discourse around politics and remember that voting is both a right and a civic duty.