Because of modern day media, the youth of my generation are fed one negative event after the other.
If you check any TV channel, social media app, or newspaper there is bound to be something controversial or political served on a silver platter. We have been taught that by sharing a post or reading a twitter thread we are being activists.
While staying informed is extremely important, as I am getting older I’m realizing I have one of the most powerful tools Americans have been given: A vote.
I recently turned 18; when picking classes last year, my senior class was informed that an American government and economics course was a graduation requirement.
None of us were particularly interested in the subject matter. Who could blame us? Why do I need to know about the government? I often have conversations and debates with my friends about politics. Most of the time we have similar views and we are passionate about making positive changes for our country. However, not all young Americans our age are.
In the November elections of 2020, only 54% of people aged 18-24 voted. Out of the entire population of California only half of young registered voters put their constitutional right to use and voted for America’s next president. The midterm elections for young voters were even lower at a staggering 29%. However, the youth of America can’t be entirely blamed for this.
We are always told it’s important to vote, but we are never taught how to register. We take government classes in high school, but we aren’t informed where voting is going to take place.
If we want the youth of today to see the changes we talk about at lunch or in the classroom, we also need support. In order to encourage young voters we need to keep them informed.
Most people in our generation don’t watch the news, they get their information through social media. By posting times and dates of the voting polls Americans ages 18-24 will be more inclined to vote. We also need to stress the importance of voting locally to young adults. Ultimately your vote matters more when voting for your State’s Governor or your District’s Representative.
Eventually we are going to have to take the reins and join society as productive citizens.
It’s better to start now than later; if we are unhappy with the way our country is heading we have the opportunity to change it but saying you want change and actually fighting for change are two very different things.
I have learned so much more from my government class than I thought I would, but if there’s one thing I’ve taken away from my government teacher Mr. Jones it’s that we the people have been given the power to choose who represents us.
Why let that go to waste?
Editor’s note: This is a monthly opinion piece featuring takes in and out of the classroom from students at our area high schools. This month’s piece was written by Grossmont High School student Molly Blakeley.
