Why College Students Should Vote In Every Election They Can
Start writing a post
Elections

College Students, If You Want Political Change, Get Out Of Your Bed And Go To The Polls

We are constantly fighting against and questioning the government powers which shape our everyday lives, but fail to take advantage of one of our most basic and cherished rights once we turn 18.

543
Woman protesting with a sign

The final day to submit your application to vote was October 16th, in my home state of New Jersey. One question which has a complex, though seemingly simple answer, is why most college students elect not to vote. On one hand, to a college student filling out and submitting the paperwork can appear both troublesome and tasking, especially since the deadlines typically come about during college midterms week.

Most 18 to 22 year old's likely feel that to take time out of their busy schedule in order to apply to vote in an election where a single vote typically does not matter (especially in the case of midterm elections, which seem even more inconsequential), is simply not worth it. Furthermore, to spend November 6th at a polling location rather than studying or out with friends also has its drawbacks and little appeal, not garnering much support or attention from anyone.

SEE ALSO:Find your local polling location here

With this in mind, the question seems easy to answer. College students don't vote because they are too busy (more like too lazy to fit it in), or because they feel their voice doesn't matter. But what this fails to take into account is why, if students feel their votes don't matter, are college campuses some of the most politically active places in the United States, and even more why are college students some of the most politically active individuals. College students want their voices to be heard when they march through downtown with signs or hold rallies on their libraries steps, but can't quite understand that getting out to vote is a simple continuation of these rights.

Voting shouldn't feel like a chore. In a populace constantly advocating and fighting for total equality its necessary for every eligible citizen to get to the polls and voice their beliefs if we want change to occur.

In the case of Rutgers, laziness when it comes to registering to vote isn't an excuse, it's a choice. Over the past few weeks, various clubs and non-profits have presented multiple opportunities to register, many times they were even willing to mail in the ballot for you. In my case, they've reached out in multiple classes and identified multiple opportunities to take advantage, many of my teachers also offering to take part.

Taking this into account, how is the most politically active segment of the general population, that has been provided multiple opportunities to register the least likely group to get to the polls on November 6th? We are constantly fighting against and questioning the government powers which shape our everyday lives, but fail to take advantage of one of our most basic and cherished rights once we turn 18.

Maybe, though very unlikely, this year will be different. Social media petitioning and campus drives will finally have had an impact on voter turnouts and lead to a more active populace, whose voice might actually be heard. In a midterm election, this dream is unlikely, even more so considering the love from college students gained by Bernie Sanders in 2016, with him still falling short of the ballot. But whether you're going home, voting on campus, or mailing your ballot in, let your voice be heard. Get to the polls and vote.

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.

92243
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?

70885
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