Politics isn't just heated debates and changing what's wrong with the government. It's about moving forward, making progress and being an inspiration. Politicians are some of the most intelligent people in the world; they understand other people, they know what is necessary to get elected, they strive to improve what they see as flawed, and they are constantly involved with all current events.

Politics has always fascinated me: especially during election season. I love learning about the candidates, their opinions, their past in the government and anything that is available to me. Their passion inspires me to do what I can to get who I want elected. Just this summer I volunteered numerous hours each day for Andrew Romanoff's campaign for U.S. Senate against Michael Bennet in the Democratic Primary. The campaign was thrilling to be a part of and I loved the constant energy of it. The point of the primary is to target a specific group of people: Romanoff and Bennet were targeting Democratic voters. Because El Paso County, Colorado is such an important region to appeal to, the candidates spent a lot of time here trying to get votes. I was so involved in the primary election that I couldn't help but care about the general mid-term election as well.

For the most part my classmates are aware of the elections going on right now and they generally do have an opinion. I personally care about the state where I live, I care about who represents me, and I care about the issues that are being raised in the government today. My dad has been involved in local politics since before I was born and his passion for politics has rubbed off on me. I'm sure that part of the reason I am so liberal is because of my father. Yet also, I have grown up in a liberal part of town and I've been surrounded by liberals my entire life.

Politics is the basis for everything in our nation and our world. The people have the power and the political figures have the responsibility to help build and improve our government.  The energy and discussion that politics brings to society is important to the nation as a whole. Every election counts and being a teenager is no reason not to get involved in the important elections that shape our society.

Laura is a senior at William J. Palmer High School where she is a member of the school's International Baccalaureate program.