As the presidential election grows closer, it is becoming increasingly more important for our young citizens to exercise their right to vote. Many college students do not take the time to learn about our diverse presidential candidates or to understand their ideologies and plans for America. We, the millennial generation, will be affected by the many crucial policies implemented by one of the candidates following this election. Our next president will determine, amongst a whole host of other issues, those of immediate importance to our generation. These include whether there will be free college tuition, the availability and income tax deductibility of student loans, the extent and nature of education reform, and matters affecting our ability to find jobs. Also to be decided in the 2016 election are our nation’s policies on taxation, gun control, social security, security and agenda abroad, immigration, civil liberties, and abortion. Thus, if we don’t participate in the 2016 election, we will be doing ourselves a great injustice.

According to the US Census Bureau, less than half of eligible college students will vote in any national election. Additionally, citizens between the ages of 18-24 vote on average with less frequency than any other age group in America. Many college students believe their vote does not matter and will not impact the overall outcome of the election. A majority of students believe that the candidates do not concentrate enough on issues pressing to the millennial generation. If we voted with more frequency, however, the candidates would have to take us seriously and pay more attention to our needs and desires.

It is time to end our collective apathy. As the youngest in our society eligible to vote, we will be impacted by this election more than most, and for decades to come. We will be the ones reaping the benefits of the smart choices made by the next president, and paying the costs for the decisions that do not pan out. We will be the ones looking for jobs in the near future and the ones starting families. Thus, rather than sit on the sidelines of the election and watch as older generations express their opinions, we need to be the ones asserting ourselves and dominating the political landscape. If we fail to advocate for ourselves now, it may be too late for us to effectively do so in the future.

I strongly encourage all college students to register to vote and to become involved in this controversial, 2016 presidential race. Take the time to research what each candidate stands for and how his or her agenda will impact us now and in the future. Read articles. Ask questions. Debate issues. And, most importantly, do not forget to vote!