The midterm election will be taking place this November and many people have been trying to encourage others to register to vote. Unfortunately, not many young people take advantage of their voting rights. According to the United States Census Bureau, roughly only 12% of people who range from 18- to 24-years-old voted in the 2016 Presidential Election. These previously low numbers have been inspiring campaign ads to push the youth to vote for the upcoming election. Celebrities are also taking the matter into their hands and are speaking out about voting. Icons like Taylor Swift and Rihanna have recently used their platform to encourage their young audience to vote.
But honestly, why did you wait for your favorite singer to tell you to register?
As much as I admire these celebrities for taking the initiative to persuade fans to vote, I'm a bit bothered at the fact that people are only voting because their idols told them to. Why are people suddenly realizing voting is important once their favorite stars open their mouths about the matter? As young adults, we should already be paying attention to national news and wanting to make a difference.
Buzzfeed News reported the number of voters who registered after Swift urged her audience. A statement from Kamari Guthrie, director of communications for Vote.org, quotes, "... 65,000 registrations in a single 24-hour period since T. Swift's post." While this appears to be great news, it's concerning knowing that those 65,000 citizens only registered after Swift's public announcement.
There are more important reasons why you should practice your right to vote.
This brilliant but brutal PSA is trying to motivate young people to vote with some reverse psychology https://t.co/xcTjfyQzQh— NowThis (@NowThis) 1538668080.0
Voting should be taken seriously. It's a privilege and a responsibility that all American citizens have. Our ballots direct us to what our future will look like, so it's imperative to consider your choice wisely. Our decisions will impact issues revolving healthcare, education, unemployment, foreign policies, etc.
These are huge subjects that can't be taken lightly. In order to fully grasp what each problem entails and what each party wants to do regarding them, we need to do heavy research. Sure, maybe it's not fun. But you know what's not fun? Letting other voices control your future.
People assume that our voices won't be heard because of the electoral college or that their one vote won't make a difference. That's not true. And it's that type of mindset that puts poor leaders into office. We need you guys at the polls in November. I know you vent on Twitter or complain to your friends about what's happening in the world right now, so why don't we start making the change?
YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Remember that.
