Teen Talk: Local election campaigns engaging young people

Prior Teen Talk articles have introduced youth engaged in political advocacy. With the upcoming election around the corner, local elections campaigns are buzzing.  

Candidates for an open Pos. 1 House seat in Washington State Legislative District 32 include Chris Bloomquist, Will Chen, Jenna Nand, Danica Noble, Lisa Rezac and Keith Scully. The 32nd District includes parts of Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Shoreline and a small portion of northern Seattle. You can read about each of the candidates in a prior article.  

The focus of the Teen Talk column is on youth engaged in their communities. For this article, I reached out to all six campaigns and received initial replies from four. Of the four that responded, two of the candidates had active teen volunteers who provided insight into their work. This article introduces you to some of the youth powering these local campaigns.  

Vivian Liao is a recent high school graduate. She will be entering her sophomore year at the University of Washington this fall. Liao has always been passionate about politics and helping her community. She started working with city government in her sophomore year of high school and she’s been part of multiple campaigns and other government-related internships ever since. Right now, Liao serves as a campaign manager for candidate Will Chen.

Liao shared that she appreciates Chen’s message and the policies he promotes, “especially those protecting immigrant rights and the working family” she says. Liao is passionate about immigrant rights for a number of reasons. “My parents are immigrants and I grew up around immigrants — through that I know how hard they worked to get to where they are,” she said. Liao also expressed frustration about what she sees as the current U.S. administration’s treatment and portrayal of immigrants. She said those concerns have strengthened her commitment to advocating for immigrant rights.  

As Liao works toward her double majors in political science and international relations, her goal is to obtain a law degree. Eventually, she hopes to become an elected official. She states, “Everyone is affected by the choices that the local, state and federal governments make. I want to be a part of that and help make my community a better place.”  

Carrie Huang also volunteers as a campaign manager for Will Chen. Huang is a student at Vanderbilt University. Just like Vivian Liao, Huang’ s responsibilities include canvassing door to door, helping design campaign materials and posters, and putting out yard signs, along with other jobs. Huang says she has been interested in civic engagement and found a way to involve herself in the world of politics. It is an opportunity to meet people in community and help support candidates whose priorities align with her own.  

“I like that he [Chen] talked about reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on teachers and making sure schools have the resources they need to help students succeed,” Huang said. “I want every student to receive the support they need in the classroom. Since I’m still a student myself, I don’t feel far removed from these topics and I know the right actions can make a difference. Limited resources can make it harder for schools to provide that level of individualized support. That’s why I care about policies that strengthen school experiences for students and educators”. Huang sees volunteering as an opportunity to learn more about the topics she is passionate about.  

Meadowdale High School student Makayla Chappelle joined the Elect Danica Noble Youth Council. The students meet to make campaign bracelets or knock on doors on Noble’s behalf. Like so many teens, this was Chapelle’s first involvement in something like this. 

“I think so many people, including myself, get overwhelmed because they feel federal politics are so corrupt and they can do nothing to change it, but when I got involved with politics at a local level, it honestly made me feel more assured that everyone really can make a difference and every vote counts,” she said. Chappelle shared the impact she felt by making a personal connection when canvasing door to door, “I’ve knocked on over 100 doors and had some very meaningful conversations with people, particularly the elderly,” she said.   

The youth representatives interviewed for this article supported Democratic candidates. However, young people are also involved in Republican campaigns. I contacted candidates and campaign representatives from both major political parties seeking youth perspectives, but only representatives from Democratic campaigns responded with specific youth who would be a good fit for this article. 

Lisa Rezac, running for the 32nd District, confirmed that the King County Republican Party (KCGOP) offers summer student internship opportunities. Students who live in King County and are interested in volunteering with Republican candidates can contact the KCGOP for more information.

In addition to supporting local government, the KCGOP website notes, “Internships are an opportunity to build a professional portfolio and gain references for future job application as well as connect with professionals who are passionate about the future of our country.” 

The torch is being passed down to the next generation of civic leaders. Our voices —regardless of political differences — are shaping local politics. 

Amelie LaPorte-Manahan is grateful to live in Edmonds. She is a junior at Seattle Prep High School where she is a part of the journalism club and Black Student Union. Amelie has also played varsity basketball and is currently playing on the varsity flag football and softball teams.