By Julia Díaz (she/her), 17 years old, editor
October 17, 2024
In less than a month, the United States will elect its next president. Other elections will also be held, such as those for your school board or other local and state representatives.
Election winners have the power to create policies that affect your life, no matter what level they occur!
In the United States, it is “we the people” who are responsible for electing representatives who support our interests. And making sure our interests are represented can be achieved through voting. By voting, you make your voice heard!
Don’t just vote for president
Presidential elections occur every four years, but there are elections each year for different levels of government: local, state and national. Governors, members of Congress, mayors, city council members, and other public servants are all elected, and their policies affect everything from whether books and topics are banned in schools and libraries to whether the local park remains open. By voting in each election, for different positions, you can ensure that your voice is heard in these various areas.
Ballot issues
Elections, especially presidential elections, often seem very distant and big. It can be difficult to remember that its results can have a direct impact on our lives. But since they do, it’s important to know what issues are important to you and support candidates who align with your beliefs.
For example, two examples of topics that affect adolescents are reproductive health and sexual education. Having comprehensive, medically accurate sexuality education in classrooms and access to contraceptives and reproductive health care are important to our lives as teenagers and are all on the ballot. Therefore, it is important to use your voice in all elections, not just presidential elections.
What if I’m too young to vote?
Just because you’re under 18 doesn’t mean you can’t participate! The first step is to educate yourself. Consulting reliable, objective news sources, studying history, and talking to a variety of trusted adults are great ways to learn more.
After clarifying where you stand on the issues, it’s time to get involved! Write letters to your representatives (check who they are) here and here) is a great way to make your opinion heard, even if it’s not at the polls. You can also attend town or city council meetings, follow politicians on social media, volunteer on campaigns, help register others to vote, and raise funds for issues you care about.
In many states, you can also register to vote before you turn 18. Some even allow you to register to vote when you get your driver’s license. Be sure to check your state’s laws and policies to see if you can register to vote. before turning 18. And if you can’t, be sure to register to vote when you turn 18!
Your vote is your voice. And because every choice can affect your life, it’s important to use your voice and make your opinion heard.
