Every day on social media and news panels, we hear people are upset and frustrated on both sides of the aisle no matter what the subject is. This week, the topic has been separating immigrant families causing uproar across the United States and the rest of the world as children are ripped from their parents while seeking safety in the United States. People protest, argue and complain but the most important thing any of us can do is vote.
Voting is not only a privilege, but a responsibility of the American people. In many parts of the world, citizens of other countries are not afforded the same opportunity to vote and elect representatives in all branches of their government like we can. This a privilege we should not abuse by not showing up to the polls or writing in your favorite cartoon character for President.
For young voters, we are missing out on the chance to define a generation of American politics. On November 6th, everyone considered a "millennial" will have the ability to vote making the United States' youngest electorate members the most populous generation at the polls. Regardless of what political party is the majority at the end of the night, young people will be able to elect a legislature that reflects the values of a younger, smarter, inclusive and forward-thinking America.
Even though millennials have this potential, we need to use it. CNN reported a twenty-year low in voter turnout for the 2016 election, so it comes to no surprise people were upset about the outcome of the election because only about fifty-five percent of registered voters participated. For millennials, Pew Research Center reported that only 49% of eligible millennials voted versus a seventy-two percent turnout rate for said millennials' grandparents.
While electing representatives is the main allure to voting, the importance of ballot issues cannot be forgotten either. For example, in Ohio, voters in the May primaries elected to reconsider Ohio's gerrymandered congressional districts that have tried to silence voters. In other states, the decriminalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use, are on ballots in November. Voting is the remedy for those that complain about a broken system but are not taking steps to right the wrong they see every day.
Just as important as voting is being an informed voter. Regardless of your political party preference, before you vote for a candidate it makes sense to understand who and what you are voting for. During my first time voting in May, while I was confirming my address, political party and age, a voter at the next station over was asked about which political party he was a member of. His response was asking what his options were and chose the first one and admitted he did not know or care about who and what he was voting for.
The poll worker was visibly confused and frustrated as they handed him his ballot, but that exchange does impress the importance of being an informed voter in elections where the results affect great change on not only you, but your neighbors, family and friends. Whether you vote on the local, state or federal level, voting is truly the way to make your voice heard.
Register to vote and find about key election dates here. Happy Voting!
