Time to study for the midterm [elections]
Almost two years ago, the U.S presidential election shook up America by electing Donald J. Trump its first reality TV star as president. In August 2017, GenForward reported that, “Majorities of Millennials across all racial and ethnic groups disapprove of Donald Trump’s performance as president. Disapproval among whites has increased from a plurality of 47 percent to a majority of 55 percent since May.”
Most millennials, people born between 1981and 2000, are unhappy with the political climate Trump’s presidency has brought to our government and are now forced to deal with the implications that have changed the political landscape of our history forever.
For young voters troubled by the current political landscape, there are two important days coming up: National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 26, and the midterm elections, Nov. 6. Both days are going to have lasting results for the political climate.
Much like how a midterm causes test anxiety for fear of getting the answers wrong, millennials have shied away from voting polls for fear of not knowing the issues or who to vote for. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that provides information about candidates, political issues, and the candidate’s stances on issues, and is a great resource for people who want to educate themselves in preparation for voting.
The United States Election Project reports an average of 59.7 percent of eligible voters casted their ballots in the 2016 presidential election, which means 40.3 percent of people did not vote. When you vote, you get a voice in supporting policies you believe in and issues that are important to you such as climate change and how your tax dollars are being spent. Voting allows for your opinions to be heard and represented.
Yet if you do not register to vote, you lose the opportunity to select who represents you. Same-sex marriage, climate change and equality are all political issues that voters ages 18-33 seem to care about most. A recent study conducted by Pew Research Center shows voters aged 18-33 have overwhelming support for progressive policies that promote opportunity and economic security for all people.
The same generation is known to put an emphasis on advocating for better opportunities and economic freedom. An Aug. 2017 GenForward study stated that the majority of millennials, among all ethnic and racial backgrounds, think the nation is on the wrong path: “LatinAmericans, 32 percent, and African Americans, 43 percent, are more likely to believe the economy is doing poorly. Pluralities of whites, 37 percent, and Asian Americans, 37 percent, however, perceive the economy as good rather than bad.”
Historically, young people ages 18-30, do not show up on election day. There was an increase in young voters from 2012-2016, but that percentage did not surpass even half of the number of eligible people in that age group available to vote. The people who are voting are those who have more money than most young voters, and they have different concerns and opinions on how tax dollars should be spent.
A study conducted in April 2015 by Harvard Kennedy school reported that over 83 percent of millennials use social media platforms to express their opinions. This indicates that this age group has strong viewpoints and beliefs they want to share. So why is it not translating to votes? Young voters have something to say, they are just not saying it through a ballot.
Taking a stance and spending the little time it takes to vote is very necessary if millennials want to see any changes within our government. The midterm election is Nov. 6, and there are 35 seats up this year for the reelection, of which 26 are held by Democrats. The Democratic party needs two seats to gain control. This is why registering and voting in the midterm elections will make a difference; it is the matter of two seats.
Young people are notoriously known for not showing up at the polls, and those numbers are even lower for mid-term elections. Registering to vote Sept. 6 is the first step, then it is time to do your homework. Start to study and familiarize yourself with the candidates. Get an understanding for their political philosophies and stances on issues you care about. Lastly, get out there and vote. Every vote matters!
