Since 1986, only 20 percent of eligible American young adults have voted in federal elections. Over the last decade, that percentage has only decreased as the next oldest age group, 30 to 44, surpassed them by 17 percent. Although voting may not apply to many Warriors yet, it is critical that we understand the large role the youth play in this country.
On Nov. 6, the US will be holding midterm elections during which citizens will elect a third of the Senate and all 435 members in the House of Representatives. This particular election could mark a shift away from a dominantly Republican legislative branch and represent a more accurate political spectrum of our country. National decisions should be made by a majority of citizens, rather than the minority of voters. Contrary to popular belief, voting is an important right and expressing our political view could never be easier.
Voting is a national responsibility because it puts pressure on the government to pass laws that American citizens value. After the shooting in Parkland, Fla., teenagers across the country have been spearheading the gun control movement . Many have organized protests to spread their anti-gun objectives, but they do not employ their voting rights. In response, gun reform a d v o c a t e s have been hosting voter registration drives at high schools and colleges to e n c o u r a g e students to vote for antigun laws. Advocacy groups such as NextGen America aim to attract 50,000 to 100,000 teenagers to vote this November and encourage citizens to be more politically active. We must work to embody our vision for this country and not expect results that we did not contribute to.
Still, many Americans abstain from voting because of the common notion that their opinions have no significance in the final result. However, an unrealized vision does not justify inaction; it should encourage citizens to participate even more. We have no right to complain about our government if we do not act upon issues ourselves. Although most Warriors do not qualify as voters yet, it does not mean that we should neglect our national duty. Voting demonstrates that we can make a difference in our country, whether it is through filling a ballot or other means.
There are easy ways for Warriors to register and eventually vote. We can pre-register via the Department of Motor Vehicles’ website, the state government’s website and even at Troy with registration forms from government teachers. When we become eligible voters, Warriors can submit their ballots through the mail, rather than wait in the long lines at the booth.
Even though voting may be the most direct way to express your political view, campaigning for particular candidates, volunteering for local governments and issuing petitions are all ways to fulfill the same purpose.
As aspiring leaders and active citizens, Warriors must not complacently wait for our country to shape itself. We must wield all the power that we do hold in this democracy so we may determine its future ourselves.