Excitement was high on Tuesday, October 8th, as Berkeley High School (BHS) students hosted a historic, student-led candidate forum for the two positions opening on the Berkeley School Board this election season. This event took place in the school’s Little Theatre and was organized by the BHS Civic Leaders Club. Because the VOTE16 initiative is being fully implemented this year, 16 and 17-year-olds in Berkeley will now have the ability to vote in this coming election for their School Board members. The purpose of this forum was to help educate and inform new student voters about the candidates running for a board that can impact them so directly. All five candidates were in attendance: Laura Babitt, Jen Corn, Norma Harrison, Abdur Sikder, and Ana Vasudeo.

Eva Levenson

After President of the Civic Leaders Club Eva Levenson welcomed attendees to the evening event, candidates were provided time to give their opening statements, introducing themselves and their reasons for running. They were then asked a series of questions that were developed by students, helping students hear candidate perspectives on issues most pressing to the student body. Some of these topics included how safety on campus should be handled, what they propose should be done to close the student achievement gap, and how they plan to address budgetary issues. Finally, candidates finished their participation with closing statements, leaving the audience with something to think about as they settle on the candidates they’ll cast their votes for this election.

The overall event turnout was extremely inspiring, the theater being packed with students and their families. “I’m really glad that we can get involved in local politics now!” said one BHS senior, expressing their excitement, when asked about the evening. This sentiment was echoed by many of the students who attended the forum, as the audience was upbeat, attentive, and eager to learn more about the candidates running to represent them. Most surveyed said they left the forum feeling far more informed and inspired to take part in shaping their community’s future.

In all, it’s safe to say the event was a success. The large turnout and enthusiastic nature of all the students who attended is surely a positive sign that this year, the youth of Berkeley will be taking advantage of their chance to vote.

–Isabelle Oppelt