Democracy and Inequality: Challenges and Possible Solutions

Rationale

William C. Overfelt High School is located in the heart of Silicon Valley.  East San Jose is home to many low-income families.  Long working hours and income disparities make it difficult for its residents to vote.  According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 47% of Latinos are likely to vote than 54% of Asian Americans, 54% Blacks, and 65% non-Hispanic Whites.²  Over 80% of the 1450 Overfelt students identify as Hispanic or Latino.  Less than 15% identify as Asian and about 2% Black.  Over 85 % of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch.  Poverty rate is high amongst our student population, and their family, so participating in the following local, state, or federal elections is far from their minds.  While San Jose and the rest of the country experienced record-breaking turnout to the pools, East San Jose did not see an increase in voter turnout, with only 51% turnout, compared to 61% in West San Jose.³  Through this curriculum unit, my goal is to help increase voter turnout in East San Jose. 

Individual and environmental factors also play a role in low voter turnout for Latinos.  As first-generation immigrants, many of my students might have parents and grandparents who have never voted.  Additionally, as a teacher, it saddens me to hear my students say, "What is the point of voting if it makes no difference?"  Instead of being discouraged, our youth needs to be more conscious of the historical background and systematic nature of voter suppression to equip them with the knowledge to combat it.  The 18-25 year old demographic typically has the lowest voter turnout in every level of election both locally and nationally.  If we were to educate and provide them the tools to combat injustice, think of their impact on future policies.  Developing a strong historical awareness of the injustice of voter suppression that has taken place and by being better equipped with knowledge of the law, my students can transform and uplift their communities.  Voting is such an integral part of democracy, and no one should be denied the right to vote.