I remember where I was on most of the election days in my lifetime. In 2012, I was in my kindergarten classroom – I didn’t understand what an election was. In 2016 I was in reading class, and my friends and I were discussing the results. In 2020, I was driving past the movie theater and saw on the Apple news app that Biden had won. My memory of these important dates is interesting considering that I am not a very political person. Why don’t I remember where I was for every leap day or Olympics, those happen every four years too. Even in my unpoliticized 5th-grade mind, I knew how important election day is to our country and democracy as a whole.
This year, I am dreading the election – this time it’s because I have FOMO. I am exactly 25 days short of turning 18 and being able to vote in the 2024 presidential election on November 5th. The class of 2025 (my peers) will be the youngest group of voters in the upcoming election. In the current political climate, I feel it is more important than ever for my voice to be heard. Although I am unable to vote in this election, I encourage my peers to vote and exercise their crucial role in society.
When the election comes up in conversations with my peers, I have alarmingly heard the sentiment, ‘I don’t think I’m gonna vote this year.’ Although in most cases, the two people running may have flaws, it is still important to educate yourself and vote for the politician who aligns most closely with your morals and values.
According to The United States Census Bureau, in 2020 only 51.4% of people ages 18-24 cast their vote, the lowest out of all age demographics. At least 80 electoral votes are attributed to people ages 18-29. It is vital for young voices to be heard in this election because many of the issues being voted on determine our futures.
Going into an election freshly 18 without a good sense of who you are is scary. It can be daunting to choose a candidate that aligns with your values when you don’t even know what your values are. A common sentiment this time of year is ‘educate yourself’ but what does that mean, and how do you do it?
Firstly make sure TikTok is not your only source of information. Social media can be a good starting point, but is riddled with misinformation. Using websites like Ballot Ready and Vote Smart you can find information about all the candidates on your ballot. These websites also give guidance on how to obtain a mail-in ballot or absentee ballot, and other election facts. Make sure to do research and vote up and down the ballot. Elected officials in local offices make more of an impact than you might think.
It is not only incredibly important for young people to cast their vote, but also for women. Women only got the right to vote in 1920, barely 100 years ago! So many of the issues being voted on in this election specifically pertain to women. This year, use the voice that women just over 100 years ago did not have, and stand up for what you believe in.
Let’s say you’ve decided to cast your vote in the 2025 general election, you have done research on both candidates and know who aligns with your political beliefs. It’s time to register to vote! Registering to vote makes you eligible to cast your ballot. You can register online, in person (contact your local election office for details), or by mail. In Colorado, if you register at least 8 days before election day, you will be eligible to receive a mail-in ballot. You are eligible to register to vote up to election day but keep in mind there are different deadlines for different types of ballots.
Exercising your right to vote is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Not only is the future of the U.S. in your hands but also the very foundation of democracy. No matter how insignificant your vote might seem, your voice will be heard.
The Skier Scribbler encourages you to responsibly consume and critically think about media regarding to the election, and cast your vote on Nov. 5, 2024.
