“I don’t know anything about politics.” “I don’t care about politics.”
Although better than being completely ignored, these are just a few of the many responses that I’ve received while trying to recruit prospective members at organization fairs. As a member of the College Democrats, I’ve been passed countless times by students who dismiss the group because of their apparent lack of interest in politics. But these students are registered voters. Or even if they’re not, they’re of voting age. It never fails to astound me how these young people aren’t interested in politics (or even learning about it), but yet they hold the power to influence the future of their country-- our country. Voting is at the heart of democracy, so when did it become a burden?
In 2012, less than half of young citizens (age 18-29) turned out to vote. Even worse, a mere 19.9 percent of young people cast a ballot in the 2014 midterm election. We, as Millennials, are the largest generation, making up more than one-fifth of the voting eligible population in the United States. So why aren’t we embracing our right to vote? From not being registered in time, to being too busy, to feeling a lack of knowledge regarding the candidates, the Millennial generation is losing an opportunity to stand up for their beliefs and, ultimately, elect a candidate who will represent their interests. Our voice matters, so let’s make it count.
“I’m Not Registered”
In order to register to vote, you have to be a U.S. citizen and at least the age of 18 by the date of the election. To fill out a voter application, there are various options. You can visit your closest Secretary of State, attend a local registration drive, contact your country, city or township clerk’s office, or stop by a military recruitment office. To check which option works best for you, go on your state’s website for more information. Also, register as soon as possible because you must register 30 days before the election in order to vote.
If you don’t think you’ll make it to the polls, request an absentee ballot. This allows you to vote, but you don’t have to be present on election day. I’ve used one for the past few years because I work at the elections, and they’re unbelievably convenient. However, absentee ballots are not available for first-time voters in some states. For more information on absentee voting and the requirements in your state, go here.
“I’m Too Busy”
You’re not. If you have time to watch an hour or two of Netflix, get lunch with a friend, go to the gym, or browse Facebook and Twitter, you have time to vote. Yes, I think that Election Day should be a federal holiday (or at least extended), allowing everyone an ample amount of time to vote, but that has yet to be enacted. If you’re a Millennial college student, please take the time to vote. People say that their vote doesn’t count, but if everyone believes that, then no one votes.
“I Don’t Know Anything About the Candidates”
If you haven’t been watching the debates or reading up on the myriad of candidates, it’s not too late! This website is fantastic for comparing the candidates based on party affiliation, experience, issues, religion, age, and even profession. Don’t be intimidated by the huge list of Republican candidates-- I assure you that most of them will drop out in the near future. In regards to the debates, here is a list of the future Democratic and Republican debates. Most can be streamed online if you don't have cable or a television.
“I Don’t Care About Politics”
I’m here to tell you that you should! Whether it's an issue of healthcare, immigration, women's rights, or the environment, it affects you-- both directly and indirectly. Even if you aren’t an immigrant or you’re not a woman, these issues affect the people around you as well as your posterity. If we aren’t working to build a better country and contribute to the progression of society, then what are we doing as citizens? Participating in elections is your chance to voice your opinion and take a stand for your beliefs. Although if you want to “Make America Great Again,” then I suggest not voting for Trump. But regardless of your political affiliation, you have the power to vote. Remember: if you don’t vote, you can’t complain. And we all love complaining.
Voting is not a burden; it’s a right and a privilege that should be taken seriously. As a woman, I realize that women’s suffrage provided me with this opportunity to partake in a practice long afforded to white, landowning men. And I won’t waste it. Our generation needs to encourage political participation and seek justice for those who can’t vote or whose states’ regulations make voting ridiculously difficult.
So you want to get involved...
In terms of getting involved in your community, I suggest attending local political gatherings, volunteering for your favorite candidate’s campaign, hosting or working at a voter registration drive, and/or encouraging your friends to vote. Elections of any kind-- presidential, gubernatorial, congressional, local, etc-- are important, so these political activities are always relevant.
The presidential primary elections (which help choose the candidate for your respective party’s nomination) are approaching quickly, so let our votes represent the future that we envision for ourselves.
