As the temperatures get cooler and your sweaters get cozier, it is quite clear that fall is among us. Contrary to popular belief, this is not just leggings and boot season, (shocking, I know). Rather, this is arguably the most important time of year for our nation—political campaign season! I know what most of you are thinking: when are the commercials, debates, and random phone calls going to stop? While political propaganda can be annoying, it’s important to be informed, especially as a young voter. For those of you who don’t consider yourselves to be “political junkies,” myself included, here’s a crash course in forming a political opinion that is all your own.
First and foremost, try and educate yourself. Be conscious of the people and issues that will be up for a vote. I know it’s easy to get sucked into the “politics don’t matter to me” mentality, but try and go outside of your comfort zone. I understand that you may not think that everything on the ballot will apply to you, but do your best and start slow. Try to find even just a couple things that you’re really passionate about. Whether it be social, economic, or foreign affairs topics, choose something and really zero in on it. Look at things from all angles—popular opinion is not the only option!Try to create a well-rounded understanding for yourself; it’ll serve you well and make you much more pleasant to converse with.
As you continue to familiarize yourself with the material at hand, be conscious of what sources you are finding information from. Do not let a BuzzFeed quiz determine who and or what you should vote for in the upcoming election. When you are looking at different news sources, be aware of the different parties they tend to side with in order to get the most unbiased knowledge as possible.
It is okay to be decisive. I know this is hard for a lot of people, especially those of us who struggle to understand political culture. You are totally entitled to have a strong opinion about something, and it’s all right if other people don’t necessarily agree with you. I personally feel as though I’ve shied away from politics because I’m always trying to form an opinion that pleases everybody (even though that’s virtually impossible to do). Be proud of where you stand on political issues, but also still have respect for others and their opinions—nobody knows better than the next guy.
Finally, let your political opinion be one of your own. Don’t ask your parents or your friends who or what they’re voting for and just follow their lead. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out, but be your own person. The political values of your parents do not necessarily need to be the views you share, too. While it is certainly okay to pick their brain and see what they think, at the end of the day, you are capable of forming your own thoughts.
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people…they are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” – Thomas Jefferson
Whether Republican, Democrat, or anywhere in between, be well rounded, educated, and make this election your own!
