The youth vote is necessary for change
As Nov. 5 draws closer and closer, tension and anticipation are felt across the nation by voters young and old. From the age of 18, citizens in the United States are able to vote in local, state and federal elections. Though only a minimal portion of high schoolers are able to vote in the upcoming election, young students are still an integral part of society, and should be
represented as such. Even those 17 and younger have a duty to engage in democracy and our nation’s government. There are many ways and opportunities in which they
can do so, primarily through civic engagement.
Conejo Valley Unified School District High Schools all participated in High School Voter Education Weeks [Sept. 16-27, 2024] where civic awareness was brought to future voters, voting was encouraged and eligible students were assisted with pre-registering to vote. For all of those who are 16 to 17-years-old and eligibl to pre-register, more information can be found at “registertovote.ca.gov.” Pre-registering will automatically register such individuals once they turn 18-years-old.
Another way that young students can get involved with the voting process is by being a poll worker during election seasons. With the passing of Senate Bill 955 [Chapter 921, Statutes of 2022], California high school students who meet the requirements are able to use their one excused absence per year to attend a civic or political event, such as poll working. Those who are U.S. citizens, will be at least 16 years old on Election Day, attend a public or private high school, have at least a 2.5 grade point average, get permission from parents and school and attend a training session are eligible to participate in this educational experience. Through this participation, student poll workers often return with a better understanding of how elections are run, which can benefit them when it is their time to vote.
In the 2020 Presidential Election, records were broken for the percentage of voting-eligible participation. However, that was only about 66 percent, which has been the highest rate for any national election since 1900. So, why is that percentage so low?
A strong belief by many is that voting will not make a change in their life, and the outcome of a president will not affect them. Although their lives might not change immediately, the laws and policies surrounding our government are created, abolished and altered by elected officials. These elected officials come directly from the votes of each person who casts a ballot.
Some do not vote because they believe that one more ballot cast will not change the outcome of the election. While one vote will not determine who wins the presidency, this mentality dissuades many voters, creating a fear that their vote does not matter. In reality, the ability to vote to choose a candidate who will best represent them is a key pillar of democracy. If everyone believed that their vote did not matter and no one voted, we would not have a functioning representative government. It is crucial to maintain a representative government where everyone who is able to cast a ballot does for the candidate they feel best represents them and promises a more prosperous future.
A common criticism during an election year is that the candidates are too old to represent the changes young voters would like to see. However, young voters truly do have the option to represent what they want by casting their vote. In marking their vote, one takes an active step in shaping our democracy and helping elect our future president. Issues that may contribute to how one chooses to vote are, ultimately, sure to remain important in our political climate and will follow the younger generation for much longer than the generation of their parents or grandparents.
The seemingly never-ending issues that present themselves in our country should not discourage one from voting, but rather motivate one to act on their opinions and vote for the change they wish to see. It is imperative to cast your ballot this election for the candidate of your choosing, and to be a voice for those under 18-years- old who cannot vote.
