The presidential primaries start with the Iowa Caucus in February 2016, on my birthday no less. I’m super excited. Just typing that makes me feel like Leslie Knope- and not even the super cool, feminist Leslie, but the nerdy politics-loving side of Leslie who wanted to see George Washington’s Farewell Address Candle-stand when she visited Washington DC. But I digress.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people who are American citizens of legal voting age don’t vote, and then have the gall to complain about the state of their government, whether it be local, state or national. NEWSFLASH: you have this awesome right (and what some would consider, a privilege) called voting! Don't be one of those people. Please take advantage of your constitutional right. Its not that hard. You’ve survived college finals, you can go press a few buttons on a screen.
Why should you vote? If you are a white land-owning male age 21 and older, this section does not apply to you, but if you aren’t (hint: that’s probably a lot of you) then guess what?! Your right to vote has been earned by someone else! The current state of voter eligibility was only reached in 1971 when the voting age was lowered to 18, coinciding with the Vietnam War.
Well, you’re legally an adult now. This means that before the 2020 presidential election there is some issue floating around out there that is going to affect your life, since you will probably be paying taxes.
But aside from taxes, there is probably some issue that gets you really fired up. Maybe its gun rights, legalizing marijuana, fixing the economy, or better funding for education. Maybe you’re pro-fracking or maybe you think we could use a few more solar panels. Maybe you want both! Either way, don’t stay silent. Find a candidate that represents your interests. I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but considering most elected officials at the national level are either wealthy, male, older or white, or a combination leaves a lot of groups underrepresented. Don't let yourself be one of those.
Besides voting, it's really not hard to get involved with a local party organization or with a candidate’s campaign. Since you’re a college student, you’re even luckier! Along with the general community organizations, there are also political organizations on your campus. It would be a great way to meet new people on your campus who have the same concerns as you. The whole point of going to college is to learn (I know, I know, you were promised frat parties). You may even get a chance to put some of that knowledge you learned in the classroom to good use when choosing a presidential candidate or debating the issues with your friends (or enemies).
Between all of the major party candidates, there’s surely someone for everyone to support. If you’re leaving the issues you care about to others because you think that your vote doesn’t matter, you’re probably right. But you’re also wrong, because if enough people have this mentality then nothing gets done, leaving our democracy in the hands of a few, rather than the hands of many. Which, if you've taken a government class, is not exactly the point. This is your country, too. Make Leslie Knope proud in 2016. Go take part in democracy.
