The Importance of Voting

There is a rising enthusiasm in young people and voting. People are beginning to understand that voting is the only voice we have.  Social media is becoming “trendy” social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter are making the registration to vote a necessity.  Young people are registering people to vote and talking to their friends about issues they hope will change, such as climate change and social injustices. 63% of Americans age 18-29 say they will “definitely be voting” in the November election, a new Harvard Youth Poll found, marking a substantial increase from 2016 and 2018 and putting youth turnout in November on track to match or exceed the 2008 election.

Young people are beginning to be influenced by digital platforms weighing their votes either left or right. People are fired up and becoming more involved than ever, which is amazing to see in this new generation of voters. Students display "I Voted" stickers on their phones and laptops. The signs that young voters are more engaged than in past elections are everywhere this year with a once-in-a-century pandemic and justice movements all across the country. Voters and activists are hoping that 2020 will be different and that more young people will be registered and will have a voice in this year's election. Senior, Allison Brown stated, “It is everywhere on social media.” 

This year, 2020 has already been a record-shattering year for young voters across America participating in early voting.  Senior, Maya Salzman stated that, “It seems like everyone is more interested in voting this year.” This is true, both sides are very opposed towards the other, more than really ever seen before and people are becoming more interested in what each candidate has to bring forth to the table. "It's an icebreaker. 'Are you registered? Are you voting? Who are you voting for?' " he describes. "We finally get to perform our first real adult civic duty. It's like — I'm a big boy now, I get to go out and vote for what I believe in."

 It seems to me that this election is something that almost everyone is watching and researching about, because there isn't much else going on right now. Senior, Lizzie Kennedy stated that, "There's fewer sports to follow. So, this is the thing everyone is focused on." I'm excited to see the impact of these young voters and to see what this election has in store for America.