October 21, 2016

Why Millennials Should Vote

Page Jones – Associate

In case you didn’t know or have been living under a rock the past year, there’s an election coming up. Voting is a very important right for Americans, but historically, younger people don’t exercise it. Here are some reasons why the millennial generation shouldn’t repeat past mistakes.

The repercussions will last longer for you. During the Brexit vote this summer, when the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, 75% of those aged 18-24 voted to remain in the EU. This is a stark contrast to the 61% of those 65 or older who voted to leave. Youth immediately took to social media to state how unfair this was, because the elderly who voted to leave the EU will not live long enough to face the repercussions of that vote, but the youth will. The upcoming U.S. election is no different. Elderly people in America have significantly higher voter turnout. Therefore, they often are the deciding factors in elections. So, if you don’t want to be stuck with a decision you don’t agree with and the repercussions involved in that decision, in the years to come, vote.

A lot of people worked very hard so you would be able to vote. When the constitution was ratified in 1787 only white landholding men were allowed to vote. In 1856, landholding was no longer a requirement. In 1870, being white was no longer a requirement. And finally, in 1920, being a man was no longer a requirement. Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony all fought for the right for all Americans to vote, regardless of race, color, status or sex. Don’t squander the sacrifices they made.

“Don’t boo. Vote.” Everyone has that person on their Facebook timeline who is constantly talking about politics and complaining about how “this country is going these days,” but never ends up actually voting. Don’t be that guy. Action always speaks louder than a Facebook post.

It’s very easy. Seriously. Here’s a guide.

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