Young people can have an impact by voting

Dear Editor,

With the 2022 midterm election season coming to a close, it is evident that younger generations can have a large impact when they show up to the polls. Yet, they still have the lowest voter turnout. As younger generations are highly encouraged to vote for their representatives in Congress, they are still the lowest percentage of voters when compared to older generations who make up the majority of voters in the United States.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, during the 2018 midterm elections, only 32.4% of voters ages 18 to 24 voted, whereas voters over 65 had a turnout of 66.1%. In the 2020 Presidential election, voter turnout for people ages 18 to 24 had increased, and yet was still only 15% in New York state. The disparities of voter turnout between younger and older generations creates issues, as the lives of the youth are being determined by the older generations who show up on Election Day and choose the representatives elected to office.

Elections are vital to the country’s democracy and the politicians that are elected have major influence on issues that affect people’s everyday lives. Representatives make decisions on issues concerning the environment, healthcare, women’s rights, gun rights, and more. While younger generations are becoming more outspoken regarding these issues through infographics on Instagram and Twitter, it is important to remind them that there is more to do outside of social media. Young people can make more of a difference on the issues they care about if they bring their fighting energy to the polls.

Educating youth on the importance of voting ensures that they use their voices to evoke change and protect democracy. Although voter turnout of younger generations is low, it has been increasing, and will continue to grow as more people become informed and aware of their power.

Carina Mesa Brooklyn, N.Y. The writer is an intern with the New York Public Interest Research Group at SUNY New Paltz.