Let me start by saying I know the basics of what is happening when it comes to the Presidential race. I know the big players, I keep up with who has won in which states, and I do know some of the big issues that have been discussed during debates. What I do not know, however, is what all of it really means -- and that’s pretty embarrassing to admit.
Let me also say that I’m aware that, as a 19-year-old, I’m eligible to vote and I know that I should vote because every vote counts. I also know that in order to vote I need to be completely aware of who and what I am voting for, but as of right now, I do not know what I would be voting for. And I know that I am probably not alone in this. While I know that many people my age are way more aware of what’s happening than I am, I have a feeling that I’m not the only one who stays quiet when I hear people talking politics, throwing in a general comment here and there like, “Yeah, I have no idea why Donald Trump is a thing,” and “Hillary is really trying too hard with the younger crowd.”
There have been a lot of articles and posts floating around about how college students and younger generations need to start paying more attention to what is going on, politically. There is an assumption that we simply don’t care about it and think it doesn’t affect us. Here is a little bit of a news flash: politics can be difficult to understand when you’ve spent a good part of your life not focusing on them. There are countless issues, big and small, that we are expected to know and understand in full and, while that is important, its a little unfair that not understanding is being looked at as not caring.
I understand that my vote will count in the election, even if it is only one. I know about the big issues that are highlighted in the media (which is mostly about Trump, to be honest.) I keep up with the race as much as I can and try to understand as much as I can. But what needs to be understood is that just because I am wary about voting and unsure about some issues being discussed, does not mean that I don’t care about it. I’m perfectly aware that the election will affect my life as I am a citizen of this country. What needs to be recognized is that I cannot understand everything happening in politics simply by reading an article or watching a debate.
I was raised to care about the issues in our country, and I do. As I continue to learn more about what exactly I am voting for and what I myself stand for, others should simply learn to let me. So, please stop telling me to “#FeelTheBern” and stop bringing up “Chillary Clinton.” Please stop informing me of whatever Trump said (because chances are I already know.) Let me form my own opinions in my own time. I’ll jump into the debate when I’m ready.
