I will be voting for the very first time in the upcoming election. If you are my age, you have probably heard a lot of this: “What an unfortunate election to be your first chance at voting,” “I guess our vote doesn’t actually matter because we’re going downhill anyway,” “I’m sure that you’re only voting that way because you’re young; if you were older and knew more about the political system I am sure that you would feel different,” “There’s really nothing you can do to fix the way things are heading.” However, I strongly feel that every vote, and more importantly, every voice, matters in this election, perhaps more than any other. Moreover, my involvement (and yours) in the American political system should not and cannot end after November 8^th.

Regardless of the election results, the next four years will likely be one of the most chaotic and dynamic periods our nation has seen. So much is at stake, on both national and international levels. As voters, as citizens, or as residents, we have the choice to sit back and watch it happen, or to actively be a part of the inevitable shifts in the American political system, and consequently, the American way of life. Sitting back does our democracy no favors. The current state of our nation requires our active participation in shaping the future, and that participation comes with more responsibility than many are comfortable with. Our democracy functions on the collective accountability of its people for our leaders. Going forward, this accountability will have to be more deliberate. Too often I hear people complain and lament about how dissatisfied they are with our country, and when I respond with, “okay, I hear ya, so then what are you going to do about it?” I am met with blank stares or shoulder-shrugging. Am I crazy, or is there a disconnect here?

To my friends, classmates, and fellow young voters: If you have the ability to vote, recognize the profound privilege and responsibility that comes with that. Youth have been and are constantly discounted as sources of impact. Let us be the most underestimated generation yet. In order to do that, though, we gotta know our stuff. Take the time to read up on current policies that are up for debate. Know your candidates, and this means going deeper than mainstream media. Actually read up on the candidates and what they stand for. Please, please, please do not base your vote purely off of what your favorite news channel or newspaper is saying. They are all biased towards one side or the other, I promise you. Consider your own values, and consider the values of the candidates and the potential policies and actions, and make your decision based off of that. Know what it means to be in a democracy. Know your rights. Grasp the concept of national and international humanity and fellowship. Develop a broader mindset and break out of that protective bubble. Do not become satisfied with being dissatisfied. If something about our country makes you uncomfortable, there is probably a reason. Speak up, take action, but in an educated, reasonable manner. Join protests and join movements. If you have a sense of detachment toward this country, remember the massive global impact of the United States, and realize that the ripples caused by your voice can have international impact. Social media is a powerful tool, and our age demographic is the dominating force, so let’s use it as a platform. However, know that posts and Tweets only go so far. Real action is necessary for real change. Let’s normalize political and social discussion. Let us be the generation that did, instead of the generation that could have. It is time to care, to learn, and to move forward by shaping our own world. Let our voices get loud during this election season, but let them also continue to ring out in the years to come.