At the end of the long weekend that was President’s Day weekend, many of you may have scrambled to do the homework that you procrastinated or washed clothes in preparation for the week to come. While all of these things are great ways to close your long weekend take a moment to examine the significance of the holiday that many college students celebrated by sleeping in late on Monday or going out on Sunday night.
The last month holds an important holiday which can help voters remember how America was made great (Hint: It wasn't Donald Trump). The month of February holds the distinction of having President's Day. President’s Day is significant because during this time we celebrate all of the Presidents of the United States of America on the birthday of our first President, George Washington. Today Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia will hold primaries (where polls are open in many states until 7 or 8 p.m.), while Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Maine will vote on Saturday. As we prepare for caucuses and primaries in our own states we should remember that these are not just ways that C-SPAN fills air time. I say this because although it may seem obvious that as young Americans we should care about the people we elect to serve and represent us, often when people of every age are asked about politics they repeat a variation on the same line, “I just don’t care.”
Working at a campaign office in 2014, I heard this more than I heard any meaningful comment from someone I talked to. Hearing this voter apathy irks me because as young people who have the privilege to vote, we should care. I don’t mean to sound abrasive or judgemental, so let me explain. It may seem that the primaries and caucuses to come are of no significant meaning, but before you dismiss them consider that since the Iowa caucus, Jeb Bush, Jim Gilmore, Rand Paul, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, and Martin O’Malley have all dropped out of the Presidential Race. Additionally, John Kasich may drop out of the race by the end of the day. In less than a month the number of Democrats running for President of the United States has been whittled down to two candidates while the number of Republicans has dropped to five candidates.
If this doesn’t shock you, then think about this, you now are of the age that you will have to pay taxes, serve in the military and abide by all of the laws passed under the person who wins this election. You may enter or avoid war due to this person. The person you choose to represent you and your loved ones will decide things like policy regarding the environment and education. If you still don’t care about the primaries and being an engaged and informed voter, then consider doing these things for your children or your younger siblings because even if you don’t have to live with the consequences of your action, or lack thereof, someone will.
The University of California Santa Barbara found that in the 2012 election of those eligible to vote only 54.87 percent did cast a ballot. This number is down almost four percent from the race in 2008. With about 10 percent of the population under 25 years of age according to the U.S. Census, we have the power to bring the voting turnout over a failing grade this time around.
So please, as you listen to debates and view propaganda, don’t be afraid to be inquisitive and get involved. Tonight polls are open in many states until 7 or 8 pm. Democracy was fought for so that we could have a hand in our own lives and truly be the masters of our own destiny.
