Reading an article on FiveThirtyEight, I came across polling data that struck me. The more I think about it, however, it really makes sense. The data showed that “The youngest voters in the electorate don’t seem very enamored with the major-party candidates.” Both Trump and Clinton are struggling to get support from Americans less than 30 years of age. Johnson and Stein, third-party candidates, are relatively even with Trump and Clinton regarding the younger generation’s votes. Compared to the last few election cycles, this is a big change. President Obama had strong support from the same demographic in the previous two elections. So what is the difference? Why is my generation choosing to vote for third-party candidates more this election?
Obviously, it has to do with the candidates themselves. Trump and Clinton are not ideal in the eyes of the public, especially amongst the younger voters. Both are surrounded by scandal, though Clinton is in my opinion the obvious choice over Trump. But that doesn’t change the fact that many Americans, still months away from the election, are deciding to vote for a third party. Even more than the candidates themselves, the reason why many young voters are avoiding the major candidates is a desire for change in Washington and in our political system as a whole. Too long has corporate will overpowered the voice of the people. The American youth are ready to change the political system, and that is not accomplished by supporting establishment candidates who will continue the status quo (though in this circumstance, the status quo is more desirable than the dystopian state that Trump envisions). But with the current political environment the way it is, voting for a third party is unlikely to do much good. We need a different strategy.
In order to change the political environment, it starts with local, grassroots movements. Local politicians are the key: with a widespread support of local and state politicians supporting a change in the system, we have the power and momentum to enact change on a grander scale. It is not until we can change our local politics that we can change the country as a whole. What I implore my generation to do is get involved on a local level, supporting candidates that share our vision for the future. Only then can we gain enough power to change the national political system in Washington D.C. Vote this November in local elections, not just the Presidential election. Do research, write to local candidates, and get involved. Heck, run for local office. It is time our generation takes the reins. It has been long enough that corrupt interests have controlled our country, widening the gap between the upper class and everyone else, destroying our environment, and exploiting workers who cannot even support themselves on their wages. Our country needs us now more than ever. Contrary to what many think, our generation is not the problem. We are the solution.
