Why Millennial Votes Matter This Election | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Young People, Here's Why Our Vote DOES Matter

If you don't feel educated, make sure you GET educated.

93
Young People, Here's Why Our Vote DOES Matter
Kate Nystrom

It seems like these midterm elections were a lot more talked about than in past years; or maybe it's just because I'm older and paying more attention to our country. Personally, I've always been taught that voting is a privilege, a right, and a responsibility. Sometimes, it may seem like our votes don't matter at all. However, if everyone feels this way, then we're hurting our country and our democracy by not casting in our opinions. Even if you think that your one, "small" vote isn't going to make a large change, please don't skip out on the polls. If you don't think you're educated enough to vote, hop on Google for a little bit and do your research. By doing your civic duty (plus, it only takes a few minutes out of your day), you can make big changes for our country.

Every vote counts

Giphy

For something that is such a big deal in our nation, voting is literally one of the EASIEST processes ever. Registering to vote doesn't take long at all, and casting your actual ballot is a piece of cake. The longest part is probably the amount of time it would take you to drive, or even walk to your polling location. A typical excuse I hear people say about why they aren't voting is that "it's just one vote" or "other people are voting, mine won't change anything". This is simply not true. There are PLENTY of other people with the same mindset as this. If everyone voted, it could change a lot of things in this country. Plus, the midterm elections were so close, and we're the one's who can sway those votes.

You might not care now, but you might care in a few years.

Voting Barack Obama GIF by Democratic National Convention - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphy

I always say that, if you didn't vote and you had the opportunity to, you have absolutely no right to complain about who is in office. Sure, you may hate our president, your senator, or even your mayor. However, if you didn't make an effort to vote and make your opinions heard, why are you complaining? As college students, we get stuck in a "bubble", and I think we sometimes forget about the outside world. With these midterm elections, these are the people who are going to still be representing us when we're graduated and into the real world. Even if you don't think these people are affecting you now, think about your future.

Your vote can better the lives of future generations

Giphy

While this may sound a little far-fetched, it's actually true. As generations continue to grow older and form their own opinions, we have the chance to change the country for the better. Obviously, as college Millennial's or Generation Z's, we have nobody from our generation giving us a representation. We have the SAME Baby-Boomer's continuously representing us, and they may not have the same views and opinions are our generation. However, there are people running who you may think represent your views best. Why not take the time to vote them in and change the future of this country? A lot of responsibility is put on us, and we don't even realize it.

This is the one time our voices can be heard together

Giphy

Sorry if it's cheesy, but it's way too true. I've heard way too many people say that they want to see change or new people in office. When voting comes along, that's really the only time you have the chance to do so. Especially with the generations in college, our votes matter more than ever. Even though the midterms have already passed, we can't forget that we will be voting again in just a couple years, and it never becomes less important.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186657
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12636
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456250
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25605
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments