Debates, current events and politics in general were always topics I felt uncomfortable with and uninterested in. However, recently, I've been trying to pay more attention to the conversations involving election day 2016 since it will be the first presidential election I'll be able to vote in. We hear so many different things from the media, our parents, teachers and friends, and it's hard sometimes to know what to think about it all. While I've been watching more news and listening to more political conversations, I've thought of some things I'd like to say to other people in my shoes. So, here's some advice that will hopefully help me and other first-time voters.
The first tip I have is to learn as much as possible. Try to learn more about what the issues are. What are people debating about and why does it matter? The more you learn, the more you can form an opinion of your own. This also helps when you register and put down a political affiliation. Do you have strong opinions and know exactly where you fall, or are you still unsure about some things? Democrat, Republican or Independent, it doesn't matter a long as you know how you feel about the issues. And, speaking of opinions, learn who the candidates are and what their opinions on the issues are. Instead of just listening to what the media and people around you say about them, actually do research and hear what they really have to say. The more you know about the candidates and your own opinions, the easier your decision will become. You don't have to vote for who your parents or your friends vote for, you have a right to vote for who you think will make the best president.
Another big tip is to keep an open mind. Even if you don't agree with someone else's ideas, it's important to be respectful and maybe learn something from their point of view. The reason I used to have such an aversion to politics is because people weren't respectful to others for having a different opinion. But, hearing the other side is important and often helpful in solidifying our own beliefs and opinions. At the end of the day, it's important to accept that there will always be an opposing side and to just agree to disagree.
Try not to stereotype people who have a political affiliation! (This goes for the candidates too.) Of course, we've been fed these stereotypes like candy on the news, in the home, at school, everywhere! It's just easier to have little boxes for things to fit neatly into, but it's important to remember that we are all complex, independent thinkers. Just because someone thinks of themselves as a Democrat or Republican doesn't mean they don't have views that are more liberal or conservative than what they consider themselves to be.
It's important to think and to have opinions about what's going on in the world around us. And, even when you're voting in your fifth or 10th elections, the basic ideas of continuing to learn, having an open mind and ignoring stereotypes will still be very relevant and important.
