As a young citizen of the United States, it is important that we vote. There is so much happening in the world, politically, economically, emotionally, etc., that we cannot control. We see things on the news and think, "Oh, how sad," and we move on with our day. Many Americans have problems with being narcissistic— “if it isn't happening to me, then why should I care?” So many Americans carry that horrific and unfavorable mentality. Thus, it carries from generation to generation, and many young people don’t care enough to vote. A vast majority of millennials do not vote because they simply do not care. And here’s where my issue lies with that: if you strongly disagree with voting, then don't do it; that’s your prerogative. However, if you choose not to vote, then you have no place to be complaining about political matters.
You don’t have to vote, but you should vote. Young adults make up 20 percent of the voting population. We are a dominant political power. If you, a young person, vote, you will influence other young adults to vote; therefore, shedding a light on great issues such as college tuition and federal job programs. If millennials do not vote, an abundance of older people will, and what sucks about that is that we won’t get our wants and needs taken care of, because older adults have different desires than we do. Since we live in a narcissistic society, older people won’t necessarily find our political problems as a big deal as what they want regarding politics and the economy.
We, as young adults, need to put ourselves into politics as soon as possible so that we can understand what is happening in our country (and learn how messed up it all is). So many young people do not know what kind of country they live in, and by submerging yourself into politics as early as possible, you will be able to not only carry an intellectually political and stimulating conversation, but you will also be able to have your own opinions and beliefs regarding your political views. Most young people take what their parents say and call those their own political beliefs— at age fourteen, you have an abundance of young Americans yelling, “No-Bama!” But they have no idea what they even means; they only say that crap because their parents say ignorant stuff like that. Don't be that person. Learn for real about what is going on around you and then gather your own political beliefs.
If you think your vote won’t count because "the Electoral College decides the heavy stuff any way", you’re totally incorrect. You need to vote. Obama received a lot of votes from young Americans, thus allowing him to win the election, because his political platform in the 2008 election was aimed toward young Americans. It’s key to remember that even though you think your vote may not matter, it does— every vote counts.
Voting is actually so easy, all you have to do is register! And if you are a licensed driver, you are probably already a registered voter. All you have to do is check a box to register at the DMV. But if you’re not registered, have no fear. Click this link and you’re good to go.
Voting is such an important aspect of being an American citizen. Whether you are on either side of the spectrum, or right in the middle, you, yes you, should vote. Exercise your rights, educate yourself through credible forms of news, and vote for what you believe in.
