According to the US Census, only about 40% of 18 to 29-year-olds voted in the 2016 election while over 70% of 60+-year-olds voted. Now, mostly all millennials in the country are eligible to vote. As Trump would say, "this is huge". So much is at risk in this upcoming midterm election and if all of us voted, we can make a big impact on the future of this country.
So, what's at stake? 435 House of Representative seats and 33 Senate seats are up for grabs in this midterm election. The Democrats need to flip at least 23 seats in order to take the majority of the House. In the Senate, the Democrats need to keep all their seats and win two Republican seats to have the majority. If you vote, we can change the course of Trump's immoral, unethical, and corrupt presidency.
Historically, the younger generations are not active voters. We need to change that! Higher voter turnout by younger Americans will result in a government that represents our views. We currently have a government that was mostly voted for by people that are 60 years old or even older. If we want people in power who will lead on behalf of us, we need to put them there.
We need to vote in politicians who support the LGBTQ community, encourage free speech, and fight against the NRA. By voting in the midterms, your voice will be heard. There are so many important issues being decided on right now. If we vote, we can help decide how these problems are solved. Do you think that children should be separated from their families at the border?
Do you think that Brett Kavanaugh was rightly appointed to the Supreme Court? Do you think that women should have the right to an abortion? Take action so your view is heard and represented in our government.
Our founders constructed a government that is ruled by the people. Women and African Americans had to fight for the right to vote. We are so lucky that as Americans we have the freedom to contribute our opinions, have our beliefs heard, and impact how our country is run. Other countries don't have such liberties. People are incarcerated and even die over the right to vote. We cannot take this privilege for granted.
The United States is in a very dark place right now. We are divided. Negativity and hate are running rampant and spilling out all over America. It's hard to see the future in a positive way, however, don't be fooled. As long as we have a vote, we have hope. We are the generation that is ready to take on Trump. We are already known to stand up, create movements, and influence change.
For example, students from Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland created the "Never Again" movement to stand against gun violence. Thousands of high school students all across the country joined the movement by walking out of their schools in solidarity. We have been activists in Women's Marches and protesting the treatment of immigrants. According to Business Insider, we are the most diverse and inclusive generation. Let's keep moving forward by voting with loud and decisive voices.
America is at a crossroads between good and evil, hope and despair, and love and hate. Let's prove to the world that we aren't just kids who stare at our iPhones and post selfies on Instagram. We are kids that will use our voices, vote for our leaders, and change the direction of America.
The midterms are an election that most people forget about, however, the midterms could be just as important as a presidential election. Don't forget. This is important. Vote.
