Ever since middle school I have been counting down the days until my eighteenth birthday. My birthday marks the beginning of being a legal adult, but more importantly it marks my ability to vote.
Similar to myself, many other Lightridge High School students are getting ready to vote for the first time.
According to the CIRCLE, a non-partisan and independent research organization based at Tufts University, around 8.3 million teenagers will be eligible to vote for the first time in the 2024 presidential election. However, voter turnout has historically been lower for younger generations compared to older generations. According to the George W. Bush Institute only 52% of eligible voters ages eighteen to twenty-four in Virginia voted in the 2020 presidential election.
It is crucial that young people vote in this election. Every policy from education, to healthcare, to the economy and so much more affects us. Without the youth taking part in elections, a major demographic is losing its voice in the country’s political landscape.
“I am excited because my vote can definitely make a difference,” said senior Shania Shrivastava. “ I want the person I like to win because I feel like they have a really good chance of making this country a better place.”
Many people view voting as a symbolic action. Voting is something we learn early on as a right that others throughout the world may not get. However it is necessary to remember that there are real ideas and values attached to your vote. The conversation must shift from voting being something Americans can do, to something Americans need to do.
“It’s more than just a vote, it’s an idea you are pushing forward,” says Jared Aguilera, the Vice President of the Loudoun County Young Democrats. “It’s about what’s on the ballot, not just the person, it’s about the change that will come from getting the right person in office at the right time.”
This election stands out in many ways. One of the most noticeable has to be the use of social media.
When asked why they are voting, and how they stay informed, students had a wide range of answers but social media seemed to be a common thread.
“I think it’s a mix of homelife, school, and social media,” said senior Judith Robillard. “On social media you can see so many points of view and be informed by first hand sources.”
“I look at social media and my own parents to see why I should [vote] and why it’s important,” said senior Kennedy Ricks.
When using social media, it is important to make sure you’re listening to more than just a soundbite and getting multiple opinions.
“We live in the sound bite era of politics where everyone just wants to say a quick snippet that goes viral, but a snippet isn’t policy, a snippet isn’t going to make the average person’s life better,” said Aguilera.
The increased usage of social media platforms such as TikTok has created a culture where short videos thrive. Furthermore, a sophisticated algorithm has made it so users see the point of view they interact with the most.
As high schoolers began to have discussions about politics it’s important to remember that politics is about different solutions to a multitude of problems.
“I think it’s best to understand that politics is not your whole persona, it is part of your beliefs so you have to understand people may not think the same as you, and you should still respect their opinions on that,” said Aguilera.
I urge all students who are eligible to vote to do so. In order to vote in the presidential election this year, voters must be registered by October 15, 2024. If you have any questions about registering please visit the Loudoun County’s Office of Elections and Voters Registration.
