I recently turned 18, and voting has been at the top of my mind. While I have an amazing opportunity to have hands-on experience in our state’s legislature and policy process, it is not the only way to be involved. We, the people, have a very important role to play in the structure of government. I understand that many people feel like voting in the current political environment is futile. They are about 300 million people living in the United States, and the Electoral College seems unfair, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. Federal elections are not the only ones that matter; there are state elections, local elections, and ballot measures.
Last year only 23% of our country's voting aged youth showed up to vote, but that doesn’t need to be the case. This week, my town voted on a school district tax levy, and I made sure to cast my vote and encourage those around me to do so as well. I had an impact on my community, and that was an amazing feeling.
As citizens, voting is our number one civic duty. It is how we stay active and participating members of our country's democracy, especially in local and state government. Every single vote matters. The power of voting is how we can influence the state of the government. Our state representatives are here to do exactly that: represent. They have their constituents’ best interests in mind and have the power to pass legislation that will affect community and technical college students, which is why so many more college students are voting each year.
It is very important to be represented by people who will enact change in a way that is beneficial to our communities. I urge everyone to carefully examine the people running for office in their districts this year and cast a vote for those who represent you. I’ve included the link to register to vote online and also a link to give you instructions on registering by mail. Your vote is your voice so be heard.
