My generation is the generation of the 90's. We grew up in a post-cold war era, faced terrorism in the early 00's, and entered a war all before we were out of elementary school. We learned about world wars, civil wars, racial conflicts, and space race adventures. We sat back and watched history be written in front of our eyes. As the next presidential elections come around, it's my generation's turn to stand up and have a say in what happens next.

As a child, I grew up with a slightly different opinion and view of the world than those around me. A person's political ideology is influenced by many factors, such as family, gender, race, religion, and media, but the main factory is family. Many of the political beliefs that I have, I share with my family, and that is similar to many others. There is nothing wrong with this, until one is educated enough to develop their own opinions, they will most likely agree with what they are told. This isn't considered naivety this it's just easier to be swayed that way. Growing up, I began to develop the same opinions as my parents simply because those are the ones that I most often heard.

Now that my generation is older, it is now our turn to educate ourselves on what is going on in the world we live in. We are old enough to vote, old enough to take a stand, and that is an opportunity that we, as free American's should take advantage of. So many people today, don't vote because they believe that their vote won't make a difference, but they are so wrong.

Being able to vote, is a direct way to have a say in what happens in the government. It's a simple fact- if you vote, they will have to listen. In the 2012 election, 54.87% of the total voter age population voted. Of that 54.87%, 11% were between the ages 18-24. That may seem like a large percent, but keep in mind only a little over half of the total voter age population voted. Imagine what would happen if more people voted. But young people don't vote. Why?

There's an overlooked fact about young people or my generation. As the times change, so do the opinions of the people. Look at the civil rights era as an example. If the belief's of the American people stayed the exact same as they did when America was founded, change and evolution would have never occurred. Many people generations older than us, see that as a threat.

Our opinions are overlooked and cast off as extremist, radical or down right crazy. Those who have lived longer, experienced more, or carry more weight of influence (more money, etc) are more often listened to than not. Some believe that pension benefits that have been spared from public spending cuts while tuition for public state universities has nearly doubled is a direct link to the voter age gap. Don't let our voices be overlooked or silenced.

Here is my call to you, my generation. In this world, knowledge is power. Open your eyes, take in what is going on in this next presidential election. Actually invest some time into what the candidates, of all parties, are saying. You might be surprised to find a political identity growing within you. This is the only world that we have, we don't get to pick up and move to another, and who our next president could drastically change our lives, so make sure that you have a chance to make your voice heard.

We have a responsibility as free Americans to make our voice heard, and make a difference so those that come after us have a world to live in that is worth living.