As the dust settles from the 2024 presidential election, the 2028 election looms on the horizon. For the Bishop O’Dowd community, this election carries a special significance. In 2028, students from the classes of 2028, 2027, 2026, and 2025 will be of voting age. As the students of Bishop O’Dowd High School are called to action, they have the opportunity to take their place as active participants in shaping the nation’s future.
The responsibility of influencing the country’s direction will soon rest, in part, in the hands of Bishop O’Dowd students. But as the Deputy Mayor of Oakland Dr. Kimberly Mayfield reminds us, voting is not just a right but a responsibility that requires action beyond casting a ballot. It requires informed and intentional decisions, rooted in values and a deep understanding of the issues at stake.
“Young voters have the power to shape the future,” the Deputy Mayor said in an interview with the Crozier last month. “Participate in the democratic process, vote, and make decisions based on your values. It’s not about personality or how many likes a candidate gets; it’s about whether they will represent your values in office.”
For students entering the political arena for the first time, understanding how to navigate the noise is key. The Deputy Mayor emphasized the need for comprehensive reading and critical thinking. “There may be an over-reliance on video to get messages across, but I think young voters should have sustained reading. They need to read from trusted sources, supplementing what they hear with grounded, reliable documents.”
The stakes in 2028 could not be higher. But voting is just one piece of the puzzle. The Deputy Mayor urged young people to embrace their role as change-makers beyond the ballot box. “Read voraciously about the issues that are important to you. Get involved by volunteering for causes that matter. Work on campaigns. Start clubs to learn together and make presentations to the larger community.”
Whether it is organizing voter registration drives, volunteering for campaigns, or simply diving deep into the issues that matter most, the road to 2028 is paved with opportunities to lead and learn.
The Deputy Mayor’s message is clear: the future of democracy relies on engaged, informed young voters. As the next generation steps forward, Bishop O’Dowd students have the chance to not just participate in history but to shape it.
