Top Ten Reasons Young People Should Vote in the Midterm Elections

By Cora Beyer
​Staff Writer

As a Senior at Red Lion Area Senior High, it seems to me that more and more people turn 18 every day. While 18 is an exciting age because you are a full-fledged adult now, it is also the legal voting age. Despite the growing population of voting age people, the percentage of young people who go to the polls is steadily dropping. We can’t let this be our trend! With the Midterm Election coming up on November 6, this is the perfect time try out your newfound right. Even if you can’t vote this time around, you will be able to in the near future. Therefore, here is a list of reasons to remind you why YOU should go out and vote.

1. Young people account for half of the voting population.

The voting population contains almost equal parts millennial and baby boomers. Our generation is increasing rapidly, according to the U.S. Census, and will soon become the largest voting group. However, it is up to us to make it the most powerful.

1. If you don’t vote, can you complain?

Young citizens spend a lot of time on social media complaining about today’s politics. If you are 18, however, you have the power to change the issues that you are tweeting about. So, instead of posting that rant this November, go out and vote.

1. Many issues affect our generation.

Many of the issues that are argued over daily directly affect our lives and near futures. This pertains to things like education funding for students in public school and the cost of college. It also includes employment programs that make sure that everyone has the opportunity to obtain a job to support themselves. These issues matter to us right now, so we need to be out there sharing our opinions on them.

1. These candidates control OUR future.

Even if you don’t care about politics and government happenings right now, you might in 2, 4, or 6 years. Some of the people that we are electing this November will be in office for years to come, affecting us in the adult world.

1. Our diversity needs to be heard.

The youth of today is the most diverse group in America. Each of us has a unique voice and opinion and our country needs to hear it. The various opinions of our generation have the capability to shape the future of America in a way that will work for us and our future lives.

1. It’s easy to be an educated voter.

It is easy to say that being an educated voter is difficult, but with today’s technology, it has never been easier. Simply Google the candidates in our area and read a few articles that pop up. It can take less than 10 minutes, but will make a world of difference at the voting booth.

1. We CAN sway an election.

Many young voters claim that they don’t vote because it doesn’t matter anyway, but that is untrue. President Obama’s campaign in 2008 is a shining example of this. According to the U.S. Census, 52% of young voters showed up at the polls in 2008, giving Obama the margin that he needed to win a tough election.

1. Because you can.

I know it sounds cliche, but we are so fortunate to have the right to vote in America. Young people across the globe are risking their lives in protests to earn the right to vote, but those of us who can don’t take advantage of it. Don’t take your rights for granted, express your opinions.

1. We need to start forming the habit now.

It is important to have good practices now, so they turn into good habits later in life. The more often you do something, like voting, the more natural it becomes. So, start heading to the polls now so you will continue to do so throughout your life.

1. Free sticker!

If none of these reasons were convincing enough for you, there is always the excitement of earning an “I Voted” sticker at the polls.