As I walk around campus, I see the clear signs of an election year: “Feel the Bern” bumper stickers, Ben Carson table setups and Trump “Make America Great Again” banners, just to name a few. If one were to guess, they would think the 2016 election will have a record showing for adults 18-24, or in other words, college students. But that won’t be the case, as history dictates.
For all the campaigning and political rallies that take place on college campuses, the youth-voter turnout is still shockingly low. In the last presidential election, only 45 percent of people from ages 18 to 29 voted, according to Nonprofit Vote. This is a stark difference from the 66 percent of people age 30 and over who turned out to vote. Why such a large gap?
According to a 2012 U.S. News report, some reasons the youth of this nation don’t turn out to vote include the political issues, mobility and social norms.
When it comes to political issues, the younger generation doesn’t see issues, such as Medicare and social security, as something worth voting for if they can’t reap the benefits right away. Instead of “wasting their time” voting, they don’t vote at all.
Mobility also plays an important factor for college students when they have moved away from home. These students may forget to apply for a ballot by mail or re-register to vote in their new town and thus cannot vote at all. Other individuals out of college could also be on the move and for the same reason of neglecting to re-register, they miss out on casting their ballot.
Finally, the social norms of their generation don’t lend to a voting atmosphere. If no one else their age is voting, why should they?
This list of reasons why people are not voting can also be a list of reasons why they should vote.
Political Issues
We may think these issues don’t apply to us right now, but that is not true. All political issues affect us in one way or another. In the case of Medicare and social security, we are paying into the system now! If you have a job and are paying your taxes then you should already know that a portion of your earnings go towards government programs such as Medicare and social security. You should definitely be aware of what is happening to the program now. Furthermore, you will be old someday and these programs will really matter to you for security and independence. Beyond political programs, there are a number of other political issues that are affected by who gets elected. We must vote in these elections if we want candidates in office that support our ideas.
Mobility
Wherever you are in the country and whatever you are doing should never stop you from casting your vote. It is very easy to apply for a ballot by mail if you want to vote on the issues in your original city of registration. If you want to vote on the issues of your current town, go online and re-register in your new county. Your vote will always count!
Social Norms
Not voting just because your friends aren’t voting is just as bad as voting because everyone is voting. Who cares what everyone else is doing? You should vote because you want to vote and because you care about the issues and your future. On that train of thought, it’s important to note that voting is a responsibility. You are voting for the leaders of our country, so before you go and cast your ballot you should do your research. Make sure you know whom you are voting for. Political awareness is very important. If you need a head start for the 2016 Presidential election take a look at http://www.usatoday.com/pages/interactives/candidate-match-game/ or https://www.isidewith.com/political-quiz.
This list could go on and on but the bottom line is, vote!
I hear people talk about political candidates and political issues all the time–either to praise or criticize–but when I ask if they are going to vote, they say no. What does your opinion matter if you don’t get out and vote? You must do your part in the system. You must vote for the change you wish to see. That is the beauty of our American democracy – we have the privilege to vote for our leaders and to vote for our policies. Don’t waste this privilege.
Key Information for Texas Voters
Texas Primary: Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Early Voting Begins: Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Early Voting Ends: Friday, February 26, 2016
Last day to apply for Ballot by Mail: Friday, February 19, 2016
You can do so at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqabbm.shtml
Last day to receive Ballot by Mail: Tuesday, March 1, 2016
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Presidential Election: Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Last day to Register to Vote: Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Early Voting Begins: Monday, October 24, 2016
Early Voting Ends: Friday, November 4, 2016
Last day to Apply for Ballot by Mail: Friday, October 28, 2016
You can do so at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqabbm.shtml
Last day to receive Ballot by Mail: Tuesday, November 8, 2016