Senior Supports Democracy at the DNC

Senior Annabel McIntosh flexed her democratic muscles for her country this election season as a volunteer at the Democratic National Convention.

McIntosh has always been passionate about politics, so she jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at this quadrennial occurrence. Her research into options available for those younger than 18 yielded very limited options, but she submitted a detailed application nonetheless. After review and approval from the DNC board, she received official confirmation of her selection. “It felt like a big moment—my first step into direct political engagement, even though I wasn’t of voting age yet.”

During the DNC, McIntosh was stationed at O’Hare International Airport, where she escorted VIPs and special guests. “My role was to greet guests as they arrived at the terminal, ensure they had everything they needed and provide them with helpful information about Chicago. It was a fast-paced environment, but it gave me a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes operations of a major political event. Not only did I get to meet influential figures, but I also felt like I was playing a small but important part in helping the event run smoothly.”

One highlight of her experience at the DNC related to Ron, a veteran volunteer who had served at three previous conventions. “Our conversations were filled with energetic anecdotes about his experiences. He became something of a mentor to me, guiding me through the more complex aspects of the event and offering insight into how meaningful long-term political involvement can be. His dedication and passion for the work were contagious, and I left the experience feeling more inspired than ever. The impact Ron had on me will stick with me for years to come.” As a current student in Andy Bigelow’s Elections class, McIntosh now has even more opportunities to get involved and plug into the democratic process. “We’re planning phone banking sessions, where I’ll be making calls to encourage voter turnout. I’m also looking forward to working with Operation Swing State in Michigan, a grassroots initiative focused on ensuring people show up on voting day. Even though I’m not old enough to vote yet, I see this work as a critical way to contribute and make a difference. It’s all about making sure every voice gets heard,” she shared.

McIntosh truly has a personal passion and commitment to making a difference. “Even though I won’t be 18 in time for this election, I’ve always believed that upholding democracy is about more than just voting—it’s about active participation in any form you can manage. That’s why I threw myself into these volunteer efforts. I wanted to ensure that I did my part in safeguarding the process and contributing to the election’s success. This experience has been transformative for me, and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue pursuing political engagement in the future.”

Kudos to McIntosh for taking the initiative to pursue her passions and help bring the school’s mission to life this election year.