“There are two ways that, as a citizen, you can yield power. One of them is to protest peacefully, and the other one is to vote,” stated Barbara Henke (she/her), a retired Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) math teacher and a member of the League of Women’s Voters in Johnson county (LWVJC). “[Voting] is a way to speak, and it’s a powerful one.”
Voting is seen as an essential part in the upkeep of the United States democracy, but every citizen has a choice on whether or not they choose to do so. Because of this option, the highest voter turnout on a national level was only two-thirds of the eligible population. This upcoming primary election (Nov. 5, 2024) is projected to have a higher turnout, but there is still a massive part of the population who won’t vote at all. Most of these people who don’t turn up are young people; high schoolers and college students (PewResearch).
One of the reasons young people choose not to vote is political efficacy. Political efficacy, the idea that one person’s vote will not matter in over 258 million eligible Americans, has become a prominent stigma in today’s society. This mindset is increasing in prominence, with fewer citizens voting in primaries and local elections. This stigma is most eminent in Generation Z, where only 23% of eligible citizens participate in elections (Tufts).
“If you don’t vote, it also makes a difference,” expressed Kim Sleezer (she/her), an English teacher. “Voting is the process that everyone takes a part in to ensure that democracy continues.”
But, one person’s vote can hold a great amount of power. That one vote could change the entire outcome of an election, yet it can be commonly overlooked because of political efficacy. While young people may believe their one vote may seem inferior, it matters heavily in today’s society. As more people believe in this stigma, there are fewer people who turn up to vote, causing the diversity of all age groups, races, ethnicities, genders, etc. to be unevenly dispersed. This uneven representation of the US population can make the government take steps that some may not agree with. This primary election, though, voter turnout rates are seeming to be making a turn for the better. More young people are willing to show up on the day of Nov. 5 for what many believe to be the most important election the US has seen in a long time (ForeignPolicy).
“It’s important for all demographics to be represented in democracy. Your vote is representing you, your school and your youth.” Said Lilly Vogts (she/her), 12.
Another reason young people tend to not vote is because of how uninformed they are in the political world. Henke recommended 411.org as a great website for people who want to learn more about their nominees and candidates in local, state and national elections without having to dig for reliable information. It provides quick and easy insight, and helps combat the problem many struggle with.
Henke is a part of the LWVJC, a non-partisan, national organization that brings awareness on voter registration, citizen rights, being an active citizen and election nominees. All genders and ages can join the LWVJC for a small fee. They have regular informational meetings where they discuss issues that will come before legislative bodies like the City Council, Board of Supervisors and the Iowa state legislature. The weeks of Sept. 16 and 23, the LWVJC is partnering with LHS Voters to hold a registration drive during lunch and Liberty Time to help encourage students to register if eligible.
Now, more than ever, encouraging people in high school and college to vote is needed. Not only does it determine the present, but the future of the United States democracy and society. It gives people the power to change issues they don’t agree with. Despite what some may think, if enough young people band together, the government will have to reconsider former policies and actions to appease them.
“There are so many things in our state right now that are impacting young people… and you need to make your voices heard. The way you can make your voice heard is by voting. If enough of you vote, hopefully it will improve things for our young people.” Stated Sleezer.
The dominance of the student body can cause monumental changes inside the US. There can be so much power in making one decision, a vote, that may change the ongoings inside the US government, especially if large groups of people who share the same ideas vote. Students can make a massive difference in this country, and voting is one of the ways they can do that.
“[Voting] gives you a voice, and power to make changes that you think are important.” Expressed Henke.
