Here & Now

Wisconsin High Schoolers Share 2022 Issues Important to Them

Frederica Freyberg:

Also tonight, what issues are young people saying are important to them ahead of the midterm elections? We spanned out across the state to interview students including those from two PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs high schools. Here’s a sampling of what they told us.

Julia Cleveland:

The main issues that matter to me are abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and probably gun control.

Griffin Moorhead:

I mean, I think there are a lot of big issues right now. I would say probably the three that matter to me the most are the economy, foreign policy, and privacy.

Sheia Wiggins:

The most important issue is definitely global warming because it doesn’t matter what — if we can vote or who we are if the planet is dead.

McKenna Dehn:

The big issue that is very important to me is women’s rights and especially over our bodies, especially at a time like this when our bodies are being controlled by the government.

Bella Ruston:

The issues that are important to me probably have a lot to do with the communities that I’m a part of. Issues that surround immigrants and people of color and LGTBQ issues.

Ashley Butkus:

Some issues that are important to me are climate change, our changing environment and the world around us. I believe abortion should be a right and be protected for every woman regardless of the situation.

Ben Fraley:

I think a woman’s right to choose is very important. Gun control. Taxes. Medical marijuana. Legalization or decriminalization of drugs. But I think the number one issue for me is voting rights, just in general across the country.

Frederica Freyberg:

Thanks to the PBS Wisconsin Education department for helping gather those youth voices.