When looking at your Facebook and Twitter feed, it is great to see so many millennials posting about the recent presidential elections and the issues that matter to them the most. Nevertheless, it seems that, for most of them, their political participation ends at the computer as many will not make it to the polls. Despite their lack of voting, many millennials complain that they feel that their voice is seldom heard. Well, perhaps the answer to that issue is for them to register to vote and then get to the polls. Here's why they should.
1. They could make up 30% of eligible voters (If they all voted)
However, at best half will vote by 2020 (and even they will out-number baby boomers). Just imagine the impact that it would have if every millennial registered to vote and participated in the presidential election. We often have so many ideas about the future but our opinions are not taken as seriously in elections because many of us don't even make it to the polls. Meanwhile, other groups such as the elderly have no problem getting politicians to pander to their every whim.
2. They could get their social issues addressed
On that note, if we voted enough to get our voting bloc taken seriously, we could make our issues central to presidential campaigns. One example is that many college graduates inherit massive debt right out of college when they are supposed to be starting their careers and becoming the future of our country. This seems so unjust and even though Bernie Sanders has proposed making public college free, this age group has recently made up as little as 12% in some of the vital states he has lost. If millennials would vote more, the candidates that they support would win more.
3. We could save the environment
Beyond the social issues that matter directly to millennials, one issue that should matter to everyone is the state of the environment. While we hear that California is sinking, many politicians today deny that global climate change even exists. Where my age group comes in is that many of us grew up learning about the importance of the environment and many of us would vote for a candidate willing to increase regulations on those big companies that pollute the world. Therefore, are the world around us seems to be headed towards man-made catastrophe, our votes could help save us.
4. It's a right
For years different groups have struggled and even died for the right to vote and have their voices heard in their society. No matter what, every vote counts always. There have been so many close elections when the outcome would have been different if only a few more people would have voted that day. So many people live with true tyrannical governments that they are unable to stand against because their voices are not heard. An example would be the strict dictatorship in North Korea. Imagine how different things would be if the North Koreans could vote.
Overall, there is so much potential among millennials who bring new ideas to the world, ideas that could make it a better place for this age group and everyone in general. However, if they don't vote, this voice will carry little weight. Let's make our voices heard and vote.
Here's a link to help you register: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
