Why young adults should vote (and how to do it)

The government is a scary and complex entity. It controls us in ways we do not realize, but it also helps us more than we know. And the best part about it? We have a say in what goes on.

Voting is a right that American citizens often take for granted, but it is very important to the structure of our country’s government.

There are many arguments about how voting doesn’t matter, or one individual ballot will not change anything, but the bottom line is this: If you do not vote, your voice will not be heard.

Social media is a great tool for sharing individual opinions with the world, and people often use it to start conversations about politics. 

This is not a bad thing. Complain about things in government that make you mad; it could lead to positive change. Everyone has a voice and the right to use it, but when a person does not back up their words with actions, a post about how Brownback is ruining the Kansas economy looses its merit.

The recent midterm election in November had the lowest amount of voters in 70 years. According to PBS, only 36.4 percent of eligible voters participated.

Kansas’ average increased by 2.6 percent along with 13 other states and Washington D.C. The other 36 states decreased in voting participation up to 27.4 percent.

Even more disappointing, US News reports that only 13 percent of voters in the 2014 election were less than 30 years old. For a generation that is known for being passionate about change and justice, we are not doing our part to stimulate transformation.

If every 18 to 30 year old did their part and vote, young adults would be a force to be reckoned with at the polls. Our collective voice would be heard.

Unfortunately, until we begin to educate ourselves about the things happening in politics, our national and local governments will remain the same.

We will not get change unless we demand it, and the only way to do this is to vote. It doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Find a topic you care about and vote for officials that will make it a priority.

Discover your passion. It may be education, equal rights, fighting world hunger, or any other problem that needs fixing. Then, do some research and vote for the person whose point of view most strongly aligns with yours. This is how we will make a difference.