As a foreigner observing the chaotic landscape of the 2024 elections, I can’t help but feel a sense of worry. Yet, an alarming number of young Americans still dismiss voting as unimportant. This mindset is not just disheartening; it’s dangerous.
If I were a U.S. citizen, I would go to great lengths to cast my vote.
The reality is that I am just another outsider, impacted by the decisions made in a country where I cannot vote.
I recently interviewed someone who shared a troubling belief: he thought the U.S. President’s decisions wouldn’t affect him.
But what happens when policies come knocking at your door? When student debt reform, healthcare, or climate change measures hit home, the impact is undeniable.
The reality is that leadership matters—not just for the country, but for the entire world. As we face issues like climate change, social justice, and economic disparity, the choices made by elected leaders have far-reaching consequences.
Young voters must understand that their participation is crucial. It’s time to take accountability for shaping the future.
To make informed decisions, it’s vital to go beyond social media for political information. While platforms like Twitter and Instagram can provide immediate updates, they also run the risk of spreading misinformation. A 2020 study found that 70 percent of young voters relied on social media as their primary source of political information, often leading to polarized and biased perceptions.
So, how should we educate ourselves?
Yes, mainstream media can be biased, but that doesn’t mean we should disregard it altogether. To truly understand the political landscape, we must engage with diverse viewpoints.
Read articles from various sources—both liberal and conservative—and analyze the facts.
The stakes have never been higher. With the youth representing nearly 50 percent of the eligible voting population, your voice can be decisive for change.
Don’t let others decide your future; become an active participant in shaping it.
Now is the moment to make your voice heard, for the leaders we choose will not only determine the direction of your nation but will also influence the global stage. Your vote matters—so let it count.
Beliefs and morals are at stake in this election, and you must vote for the candidate who resonates most with your values.
The key is taking action. As one of the most powerful nations in the world, the cliché that “your vote matters” is far from a myth—it’s a fact.
As I conducted interviews around campus, I noticed a troubling trend: many young voters lack proper education and understanding of the voting process.
Is our younger generation divided into two extremes? On one side, we have informed, well-educated individuals who know the ins and outs of the political landscape. On the other side, we see the average American, who often votes based on where and how they were raised, without a strong sense of personal engagement or independent thought.
Some misconceptions persist about voting, especially among young people.
You might hear:
My vote doesn’t matter.
Only old people care about voting
Voting by mail is unsafe.
All political information online is reliable.
These myths are dangerous, especially as election day nears and young voters become a critical part of the conversation.
In 2020, youth voter turnout reached historic levels, helping to flip key battleground states. This proves that young voters can and do make a difference.
Young voters now represent about one-third of eligible voters, making their voices essential in shaping the election’s outcome. Candidates are increasingly aware of this and are crafting messages specifically to engage with young voters.
But be careful: you might be hearing what you want to hear, not the full reality.
Do your research.
Don’t rely solely on one social media platform or source of information. Be smart, thorough, and deliberate. Have a conscious vote. Because your vote matters—not just to you, but to the entire world.
Get up, and vote. To find more information on registering to vote, please visit https://vote.gov.
