Walking into my assigned polling place,  the Lloydsville VFD Social Hall, on Election Day, I felt a mix of nerves, excitement, and curiosity. At seventeen, I was the youngest person in the room, surrounded by volunteers who had been working elections for years. I worried that I might not belong or that I would make mistakes.

    Greater Latrobe emphasizes career readiness through hands-on learning, giving students opportunities to explore their interests and potential careers in real-world settings. My history teachers encouraged me to take this opportunity as a way to see the democratic process up close. Since my career pathway is in political science and government, it was an obvious choice for me.

    Even though I am not yet old enough to vote, the chance to help others exercise their voice and give back to the community made stepping up to work the polls incredibly meaningful. Being part of the process gave me a strong sense of purpose and allowed me to contribute in a way that directly impacts my community.

    Student poll workers had the opportunity to register for the pre-election training. In my experience at the training, coming out I felt more prepared, and more confident in what was expected of me come election day. The training also gave me insight into the behind-the-scenes work that happens long before and after voters arrive, from preparing ballots to organizing equipment. Even so, some nerves remained as Election Day approached. I worried about working alongside people I had never met, unsure how we would get along and if I would be taken seriously.

    The moment the first voters arrived, I was immediately surprised and reassured. Despite the political tension we constantly see in the news, the room was filled with optimism and pride. Voters were patient, kind, and genuinely happy to be participating. Many thanked me for volunteering and expressed excitement that someone my age was involved. Their recognition made me realize that age is not a barrier to meaningful contribution. By the end of the day, I understood that being young did not make me an outlier. It made me part of something larger than myself.

My responsibilities at the polls were both technical and personal. I guided voters through touchscreen and paper ballots, made sure their votes were scanned correctly, and helped those who needed extra support. Some voters needed assistance reading the questions, while others needed guidance with the technology. Being trusted to help these individuals gave me a real sense of responsibility and taught me patience, empathy, and how to communicate across generations. One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was handing out “I Voted” stickers. It was a small gesture, but it felt meaningful, an acknowledgment of the hard work voters had completed and of my own role in the process. I am still too young to vote, but I look forward to the day I cast my first ballot and get my own “I Voted” sticker. For now, celebrating the community members who made the effort to vote made all the nerves leading up to the day completely worth it.

I was also struck by the way the poll workers interacted with each other and with voters. Conversations flowed easily as the day went on. Generational differences and past experiences in civics were shared openly, and I learned a great deal from the stories and perspectives of the older volunteers. As the hours passed, my initial fear and need to prove myself faded. I grew more confident, more comfortable, and more connected to the people around me.

Beyond the mechanics of voting, this experience changed my perspective on civic engagement and the human side of politics. Seeing people approach the polls with optimism and excitement reminded me that political debates online and on television do not always reflect reality. Most individuals are simply trying to do what they believe is right. It also highlighted the value of youth participation. Being the youngest person in the room was not intimidating; it was empowering. I saw firsthand how older generations welcome young people who are willing to step up and engage in their community.

This experience has left a lasting impression on how I approach my future. I now understand that in politics and advocacy, differences can be intensely polarized, but at the core, we are all people trying to do what we believe is right. The pride, empathy, and understanding I gained from working the polls will shape my future endeavors in political science, public service, and civic engagement.

For young people hesitant to try something outside their comfort zone, I have a simple message: lean in. The lessons you learn, the connections you make, and the confidence you gain will far outweigh the initial fear. Being part of democracy, even in a small way, is a powerful experience that can change both your community and yourself.

    The race for the Greater Latrobe School District board was tight and closely watched on Election Day. Four seats were open, and voters chose two newcomers, Yelayna Rossi and Patrick S. Carney, to join incumbents Merle D. Musick and Andrew Repko. Four other candidates, Democratic incumbents Rhonda A. Laughlin and Heidi Kozar and newcomers Thomas B. Long and Joshua Cunningham, were not elected.

Even with party affiliations, collaboration played a key role in the campaign. According to Latrobe Bulletin Managing Editor Abigail Hakas, six of the eight candidates joined forces in two groups of three. Repko, the board president, campaigned with Laughlin and Kozar. Musick partnered with Rossi and Carney. Repko explained that these partnerships were focused on what would benefit students, not on party politics.

The vote totals were very close. Musick received 13.69 percent of the vote, Rossi 13.27 percent, Repko 12.8 percent, and Carney 12.78 percent. Kozar and Laughlin followed closely with 12.65 percent and 12.26 percent. Cunningham received 11.53 percent and Long 10.9 percent. In total, 32,758 ballots were cast.

Looking ahead, Repko told Latrobe Bulletin’s Hakas that the board faces two main challenges. Aging school buildings and declining student numbers are top concerns. Projections suggest that in six years, the district may not have enough elementary students to fill two buildings. Keeping educational programs strong while managing these issues will be an important focus.

Other local races also drew voter attention. Across Westmoreland County, 33,075 voters requested mail-in or absentee ballots. Democratic judges were retained on the Common Pleas Court, and Latrobe Mayor Eric Bartels won a second term, holding off challenger Christine Marquis.

Many people assume teenagers are too young to make a difference in their communities or in politics. That is not true. Even before reaching voting age, young people are finding ways to speak out, take action, and have an impact on the issues that affect them and their communities.

Being seventeen does not mean you lack a political voice. Decisions made by elected officials affect the schools students attend, the resources they receive, and even the taxes they pay from part-time jobs. Despite this, teenagers are often underestimated in civic spaces. Adults sometimes assume young people are uninformed or uninterested, but research shows a different story. Most individuals ages 14 to 17 say they are civically engaged, with about 71 percent participating in some form of civic activity. The main barriers they report include feeling disconnected, lacking knowledge, or not having enough time.

Speaking up is one of the most powerful ways young people can make a difference. Words and ideas can bring attention to issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Teenagers can advocate for change, share concerns publicly, and influence decision-makers, even without being able to vote. Youth involvement can be organized, professional, and impactful. By participating today, students can help shape the future communities they will live in tomorrow.

Social media and easy access to information make it easier for teens to stay informed and engaged. Young people can discuss current events, exchange ideas, and see how others in their age group are participating. Volunteering, attending civic events, and joining conversations about public issues are ways teenagers demonstrate that their opinions matter. Adults are beginning to notice this too. Public advocacy by young people can have real influence on their communities.

Research also shows areas of agreement across generations and ideologies that offer opportunities for engagement. For example, most Americans, whether liberal, moderate, or conservative, agree that decreasing misinformation in the media and expanding voting locations would positively impact democracy. Specifically, 75 percent of liberals, 61 percent of moderates, and 65 percent of conservatives support reducing misinformation, while 80 percent of liberals, 58 percent of moderates, and 59 percent of conservatives support expanding voting locations. In addition, more than half of adults report being civically active in the past two years, and most plan to vote in upcoming state or federal elections.

Being civically active also teaches important life skills. Participating in discussions, volunteering, and advocating for causes helps teens develop responsibility, empathy, and communication skills. Civic engagement encourages critical thinking and collaboration while showing students that their voices have value. Understanding how communities work now prepares teens to be informed voters and leaders in the future.

Youth involvement is not just about preparing for the future. Teenagers today are actively using their voices to shape the world they will inherit. Even with barriers like time and access, young people are finding ways to participate. Speaking up, sharing ideas, volunteering, and advocating for change are all ways students can contribute right now. Every voice matters, and teenagers are proving that age does not define impact.