With primary elections taking place there's been more and more conversations happening all over the country regarding this elections candidates and where they stand on today's important issues. However, most young voters,"millennials," have gained a reputation of being least likely to hit the polls. For example, during the midterm elections this November, only an estimated 21 percent of 18-24 year old Americans voted. What is the cost of the other 79 percent of voices not being heard?
According to a poll taken by the Harvard Institute of Politics, only a third of millennials believe that their vote matters. Most millennials tend to be uninterested in politics. However, interestingly enough millennials have proven to be some of the most activist members of our society today by posting on social media avenues about where they stand politically. Social media is also the avenue by which millennials are likely to get their information about each candidate as opposed to older generations getting their information the "old school" way by news broadcasts and newspapers. However, if these young people don't hit the polls their voices won't be heard where it matters most. A hashtag can only go so far. It's important for our voices to be heard because millennials are the most diverse group in U.S history in regards to race, sexual orientation, political stance, religious views, and socioeconomic status. Because of this, our vote is a huge avenue for this diversity to be represented.
Millennials are also the most likely to believe that only the most informed people should vote. They are also more likely to overestimate the amount of people that vote. While the midterm turnout overall was 36 percent, people under 30 estimated that it was about 57 percent. This misconception is dangerous because only a select few peoples opinions will make it to the polls.
While it can seem tedious, and we all feel like we have a million other things to do first, now is the time for millennials to identify their stance on today's hard hitting topics, take the time to read about where each candidate falls on these topics, and form an educated opinion on who to vote for. We have the power to make the changes we want to see in the world and in the United States.Millennials are a progressive group of people and we can continue to be progressive on the platform of democracy. All you have to do is register and vote!
