Voting: Your Right, Your Power

In the words of Former President Obama, “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter.” Obama’s words reflect an insufficiently acknowledged truth among young American voters. Election season is among us, and while the majority of high school students won’t be 18 by election day, we should remind ourselves of our constitutional right to vote. The upcoming generation of voters should concern themselves with the fact that the age group from 18 to 24 tends to vote less than others (OurWorldInData). As the next voting generation, it's crucial we understand these patterns and work to break them. Every vote counts. Hectic schedules, intimidation in casting a ballot, and lack of interest in voting significantly contribute to the voting trend among the 18-24 age group (Holbein). College students make up the majority of the 18-24 age group and deal with the busy, hectic reality of college life. With assignments, projects, extracurriculars, studying, and other college-age responsibilities, making it to a poll may not make it on the priority list.

Fortunately, states provide an alternative to in-person voting on election day: mail-in voting. Mail-in voting allows voters to cast their vote remotely and includes Early Mail Ballots and Absentee Ballots. For college students caught up in hectic schedules and overwhelmed by the prospect of voting, Early Mail ballots serve as a suitable option. Registered voters can apply for an Early Mail Ballot online and exercise their right to vote remotely. College students residing outside of their state may apply for an Absentee Ballot as another form of mail-in voting. Voting remotely may help voting stress and anxiety for inexperienced voters; the mail-in alternative aims to increase voter turnout, so take advantage of its convenience.

The lack of interest in voting presents an additional reason for lower voting numbers among 18-24-year-olds and an issue attributed to the underestimation of the importance of voting. Our democratic government grants us the fundamental right to vote; we shouldn’t overlook this right. Making up 12% of the population, young voters can significantly influence the results of elections, including presidential elections (U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division). Education, news channels, articles, and social media provide valuable information on candidates and their political policies. Especially when you reach voting age, educating yourself ensures ignorance does not hinder your interest in voting and that you’re more motivated to vote. Voting as an 18-year-old citizen is your 26th Amendment right; don’t wait until you’re 26 to use it.

Efforts to augment interest in younger voters have grown in popularity in the U.S. Social media campaigns target younger audiences, in hopes of appealing to them to secure their vote. Social media serves as a useful tool for encouraging others to vote as a citizen as well. Sharing information about your voting experience or method may inspire others to take political action themselves. Postcards to Voters, an organization seeking writers to mobilize citizens to vote and inform them about Vote By Mail, serves as an example of efforts others can make to encourage others to vote. “I voted” should be more than words on a red and blue pin, we should announce them proudly as members of a democracy.  

As high school students, educating ourselves and learning about different policies will help in future voting whether it’s local or presidential. 16- and 17-year-olds can preregister to vote online and get a head start on contributing to our democratic nation. Every vote counts, so count yours in. The constitution grants us voting first as a right, but secondly and more importantly as our power to influence our government. When you’re eligible, use your voice, share your vision, and cast your vote.  

Sources: 

Adult population by age group | KIDS COUNT Data Center 

Request a Ballot - Early Mail or Absentee Ballot | NYC Board of Elections 

Most young voters support Kamala Harris − but that doesn’t guarantee they will show up at the polls 

Young people are less likely to vote than older people — often considerably so - Our World in Data