VOTE: The younger generation needs to take an interest in the upcoming elections.
By Emilie Bean, Opinions Editor
With college just around the corner, voting is not exactly the first thing on students’ minds. And even those few students that do take interest in politics do not necessarily believe that their vote makes a difference. Although it is true that the chances of an individual vote making a difference in electing an official are bleak, there are other reasons that young people need to take a stand and vote.
The government keeps track of information for statistical purposes to determine how many young people vote as compared to other age groups. This is how politicians know what age groups to target. Young people’s votes alone may not determine the next president, but each vote strengthens the voice of the youth in dictating public policy.
People ranging from age 50 to 70 are the most likely to vote, so they get their way more often. When someone is running for public office, he or she is more likely to protect the interests of old people than those of the young. Otherwise the old people will likely vote against said political candidate. If more young people were to take a stance and vote, then politicians would take greater notice of them and start focusing on the needs of the younger generation rather than those of the old.
The vote of the American youth is a powerful force to be reckoned with, yet it has been untapped in the past. Young people bring a unique perspective to problems we face today that otherwise would not be considered. The youth are the future of the United States, and it is crucial for them to take an active role in the transformation of this country if they want their ideas to be inputted.
If the youth mobilize efficiently, they can bring about change in the policies that can affect them. By not voting, the youth are giving up their chance to make a real difference.
If you are eligible, become educated about politics and cast your vote. If every young person adds his or her voice, there will be big, much-needed changes. It is about time politicians catered to the young, but they will not do so unless young voters raise their voices.
There has been a lot of talk at Poly about how awful presidential candidate Romney is or that re-electing President Obama would be a huge mistake, yet students are not taking any action. It is time for the younger generation to contemplate what they truly value and to fight for what they believe in.