Politics is virtually inescapable. It plays a role in the laws we follow, the state of the economy, and even the quality of air we breathe. Who we decide to put into office — whether it's the federal government or more local positions- can make a dramatic difference in our daily lives. The last general election saw the lowest voter turnout in 20 years, with only about half of all eligible voters turning out to cast a ballot. Our generation not only turned out in low numbers for the general election — we turn out in low numbers to all voting.
Our low voter turnout doesn't dissuade us from complaining about the current political climate, but the only way we can change the future of our country is to pick up a more active role in our nation's politics. Here's why voting should matter to all millennials...
1. Your civil rights are on the line
Civil rights should be a concern for everyone. Whether you are fighting against racially-charged aggressions, striving to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities, or hoping to gain equal pay in the work force. If you want to see a change in how you are treated, you have to stand up and fight for your rights.
2. Where is your tax money going?
Everyone in America pays taxes (or at least they should be), so it really matters that you see where your money is going. Is your money being used to fund schools and rebuild infrastructure or is it being squandered? Taxes are the most important thing we can contribute to our government- without it, our society would be crumbling. But you want to make sure you vote for someone who is going to put your money to good use.
3. The economy isn't getting better
Some of this might not seem to matter until you're older, but one day you're going to want to buy a house and retire from working. Voting for someone with your economic interests in mind can drastically change the future you have.
4. Your health care matters
The type of care you receive and what you pay for it is ultimately up to the people we elect into office. This might not matter to a lot of young people but it is crucial — you cannot control your health and most of the time you can't foresee when you will need care.
5. Foreign policy/relations affect you, too
Our interactions with foreign nations might seem like it doesn't matter, but it does. What actions we take in other nations — whether we go to war — it's all decided by the people we elect into federal offices and it can affect everyone. Elect someone who shares your views on how we should interact with other countries.
6. The environment is at stake
Whether you believe in basic science or not is beside the point. The reality is that there are places in this country where people are not getting clean water and where children's playground are littered with garbage and needles. Your elected officials, both federal and local, are responsible for taking care of the environment where you live. Vote for someone who sees this as a priority.
7. You have a chance to make a difference
The way you vote, in any election, makes a difference. You have the power to choose your fate and to take charge of your own life. By being politically active in your community, you have the potential to make a difference in this country. Just remember — every major, positive change was started by normal people, like you, who banded together and had a dream for a better nation.
8. Change the face of politics
Many of our generation are fed up with politics. We are disillusioned and jaded by the constant lies and scandals. Being a politician has become synonymous with being a liar and being fake, but it doesn't have to be. Politicians don't have to be rich, old white men who don't care about you - a politician can be whoever you want them to be. My advice is, if you are sick of politics, the only solution is to change it by taking up a role in our political environment.
