Students from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas marched from their campus to the Samuell Recreation Center polling location after school on Wednesday to vote early. A drumline and a cheerleader escort joined them. The march was part of an effort to encourage civic responsibility, organized by the nonprofit March to the Polls and the school's student-led Voter Empowerment Club.
Several students who were voting for the first time spoke with FOX 4. Senior Maren Fitzsimmons said it was a great experience to see the community come together, and that voting for the first time was a bit nerve-wracking but she was glad to help make a change. Senior Keegan Black is not yet 18, but she marched with the group to set a good example.
Black said young people often do not realize the impact they can make with a small ballot. The two students said many young voters either do not think they can make a difference or do not know enough about the candidates. Fitzsimmons pointed to the group's efforts as a way for young people to learn how to vote and about the people running for office.