It's well documented that young voters have a lower turnout than older Americans in presidential elections, but it doesn't mean they aren't paying attention.
41 Action News talked to four Central High School seniors about the election and what they're looking for in the candidates asking for their vote.
Symone Taylor wants, "whoever our president is to be about what they actually say they're going to be about."
Dominique Bynum is hoping they, "Change how we're living today. Most of the shootings, the black-on-black crime. Try to make some way where we can all live in peace."
Ta'Mia Perry is focused on, "Education, and our community is important to us too."
Jermar Allen believes, "This election is very important because this is my senior year, and I'm going to college so this president is supposed to help me with my goals in my near future."
UMKC political science Professor Mona Lyne said, "The president is probably the, maybe aside from some really famous movie stars and sports figures, one of the most important role models our children have."
She also knows the value of the support young Americans can bring a candidate.
"Oh I think they're very important. If they had turnout numbers like say, older middle-class people... I don't know the numbers specifically, but they could be very important to the election," Lyne added.
Education, lowering the crime rate and keeping the United States safe and out of war were all priorities for the group, along with taking pride in democracy.
Allen said, "Us voting is very important because basically like my mom said, this is for us. This is our world."
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Dia Wall can be reached at dia.wall@kshb.com.
