Why You, A Young Person, Should Actually Vote
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You, A Young Person, Should Actually Vote

Especially first-time voters.

10
Why You, A Young Person, Should Actually Vote
CNN

As everyone knows (unless you actually live under a rock), we are in an impending election season. With months of listening to politicians give their case on why they would make the best presidential candidate, hearing people make fun of Hillary Clintons attempts to bond with a younger generation (and cut her some slack), and having Donald Trump offend every single marginalized group of people, finally, we get a say in who we want to represent us as the Presidential candidate for our party.

Here's the thing, though; if you want someone to be elected in the primaries, you actually have to go out and vote for them.

Young people have the lowest voter turnout out of any age group of people , which in short, is lame. Along with that, we also have a tendency to most often complain about political situations on the internet (that's not a statistic that's just something I noticed). It is more than okay to express your political beliefs in the media of your choosing, especially when it comes to the primaries, but if you aren't willing to actually go out and vote, then you really don't have the right to be whining about the election outcome.

There are a lot of claims like, "I'm not going to vote for this person because they're not going to win," and that fundamentally undermines how voting actually works. The candidate of your choosing, no matter where they stand in the polls, has even less of a chance of winning without your support.

For a lot of us, myself included, this is the first major election we are actually able to vote in. Maybe it's a little intimidating, but finally in some form, we are able to actually have even the smallest fraction of a say in who represents us as a people. I realize that being pandered to vote is probably really annoying, but I urge everyone, regardless of political party affiliation (or lack thereof) and candidate support, to go out and vote. If for no other reason, at least so you have validation for complaining about how an election turns out.

Except if you're voting for Donald Trump. Honestly, just stay inside and consider your life choices.

P.S. Some primary dates are:

PA- April 26

NJ- June 7

NY- April 19

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91080
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

64641
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments