This year has brought so many crazy and controversial events, one of them being this crazy election. As a 16-year-old who is witnessing this ground breaking election I have noticed a few things. One, so many young people feel as if they are unimportant politically. Two, so many kids follow their parents footsteps when it comes to party affiliation. And lastly, I have noticed that when young people come out and speak their mind about what they want in their government, people listen and change is made.

According to CBS News, “Voter turnout is by far the lowest among the youngest age group, which includes people between 18 and 24 years old.” That is absolutely unacceptable and in this particular election, that needs to change. Too many young people feel as if their political voice is not important and will not make a difference but in reality their voice is the most important.

One candidate in particular made sure he heard the younger voices and that was Senator Bernie Sanders. Bernie Sanders has really resonated with young people because he mainly focused his ideas around young people and how he could help them. An idea that resonated with me personally was his plan to help students get out of their college debt. I am a junior in high school and student-debt is really important to me because I do not want to have to be paying bills for a long time and many young people agreed. He really inspired many young voters and although he did not get the nomination he ended up shifting the party ideals and helped make the democratic side even more progressive.

Not only is having a voice important in this election but having your own voice. So many kids get politically socialized mainly by their parents and the way they believe. While that is okay, I think everyone should have their own ideas and decide for themselves which candidate and party they affiliate with. Personally, my ideas align a bit with my Dad and then some with my Mom and I disagree with both of them on certain things. I think that is so important for young voters. Young voters should be able to find their voice and be proud of what they believe in.

Whether you are a republican or a democrat, your vote is so unbelievably important. Have your chance to speak your mind and hopefully you will influence change. I know that when I turn 18 and I vote for the first time, it will be an amazing feeling and I will know that I am using my voice to make the change that I want. Help make the change you want.

To register to vote and learn about voting in your state, go to https://www.vote.org.