Local middle and high school students joined State Rep. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday to discuss a book, but ended up focusing more on politics.
The six students shared their likes and dislikes about the book "Vote for Larry" at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road. Mary Hennessey, the teen services librarian, helped coordinate the discussion.
The book is the sequel to "The Gospel According to Larry," both by Janet Tashjian. The story chronicles Larry, a college student who struggles to maintain his anti-consumer ideals in an increasingly consumer-centered world. At the same time, his girlfriend tries to bring him back into the realm of politics.
Although the students came to talk about the book, it served as more of a catalyst for the conversation to turn to politics.
All but one of the students were too young to vote in the November election, but they said it doesn't discourage them from learning about the political process.
"In two more terms it's going to be me voting, and it's my duty as an American to be informed," said Michael Leap, 13, an eighth grader at MacDonald Middle School. "People wave their swords and say our country is awesome because we have a democracy.
"But if we're going to be so awesome, we need to make sure we exercise our right to vote."
Although Ana Lesmez, a ninth grader at East Lansing High School, also is too young to vote, she said it's important to be involved in politics early so she won't have to play catch-up later.
"When I do become old enough to vote, I don't want that to be the first time I pay attention to politics," said Lesmez, 14. "I want to know how to make an informed decision when I vote."
A survey of students at East Lansing middle and high schools found they wanted to hear about politics from lawmakers, and Whitmer was happy to help out.
Whitmer detailed how she became involved in politics after interning at the state Capitol. She explained how lawmakers votes are influenced by three factors: Conscience, caucus and constituents.
"There are bills I don't know a whole lot about, and 30 of my constituents will call me and weigh in on it, which will definitely affect the way I vote on it," Whitmer said.
