Most students at West High School aren’t old enough to vote in November’s election.
That shouldn’t stop them from learning about the candidates on the ballot, though, said Adah Lambeck, a 17-year-old senior at West High.
Lambeck and students from the high school’s civics club hosted two town halls Monday with candidates running for U.S. Senate, including Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin and Libertarian challenger Phil Anderson.
“I think we achieved our goal, which was to educate the student body about the positions of the different candidates on issues,” Lambeck said following the event at West High’s auditorium. “That way, when they do turn 18, they can make a more informed decision when they’re voting.”
Republican challenger Eric Hovde didn’t attend the event. Campaign spokesman Zach Bannon said “the schedule just didn’t end up working” and Hovde “never confirmed participation.” Hovde sparred with Baldwin Friday in their first and only scheduled debate.
“The students have been working on this for a year,” said Carrie Bohman, a social studies teacher and adviser to the civics club. “I wish Republican candidate Hovde was here, but he opted to cancel on Friday.”