Want Change? Vote!
by Charles Cooke
Did you know in 2020, only 168 million out of the 252 million eligible voters voted in the presidential election? That means there are 84 million eligible voters who did not bother to vote in that election, which is about one-third of the eligible voter population. This problem is even more pronounced amongst the younger generations. In the 2020 election, 71% of eligible voters aged 65 or higher voted, while only 46% of eligible Americans aged 18-29 voted. This large voter discrepancy means that politicians will cater to the older generation by focusing on issues more important to them, like Medicare and Social Security. Although traditionally the older generation have been more active in the polls, younger generations have become more active lately. In 2024, voters under 35 make up almost 85% of the new voters registering on Vote.org and 18-year-old voters alone make up 18%. Between the midterms in 2022 and this year’s presidential election, a whopping 8 million young adults have or will turn 18. That’s a lot of potential voters!
Once you turn 18, it’s important to close that gap by registering and voting so you can fight for the policies and programs that you support. As Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org said, “An engaged electorate is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and this continued wave of voter enthusiasm shows that Americans are determined to make their voices heard. The surge of youth engagement is a strong indication that the next generation is motivated to show up this November.” If you are old enough to register and vote in the upcoming election, then that’s great! Just be sure you take the steps needed to make your voice heard on November 5th. If you can’t yet, don’t worry: you still have the power to make a difference. No matter your age, you should encourage your unregistered friends or family members to register or pre-register to vote because everyone’s vote matters and contains the power to make the changes you want to see.
Registering to vote is so easy! All you have to do is go to vote.org and answer a few questions. The information you need to register is at your fingertips. The details provided here are specific to voting in California, so if your family members or friends live in a different state, encourage them to take a look at the voting laws and regulations in their state.
Once you are registered in California, you can either vote in person or have a ballot mailed to you that you submit through the mail. In the event that you thought you were registered but your name isn't on the official voter registration list, or if you forget to register but still want to cast a ballot on Election Day on November 5th, you can still vote with what is known as a provisional ballot. This means your vote will be counted after it is confirmed you are eligible to vote and haven’t already voted elsewhere. If you’re too young to vote, like me, then you can always pre-register once you are 16 or 17 at sos.ca.gov so when the time comes, you are all set to have your registration be activated on your 18th birthday.
To everyone possessing the right to vote, never take your vote for granted. You may say to yourself that your vote doesn’t matter, because it is just one person, but what happens when hundreds of millions of people say that? Change is delayed and progress is hindered, because people can’t see the value of their vote. A country not willing to change is a stagnant country, one that is stuck in the past.
“A country not willing to change is a stagnant country, one that is stuck in the past. Your vote is the one of the most important things that can change that. A vote is a powerful thing because if our electorate is engaged, it can promote growth and new opportunities as a country.”
Your vote is the one of the most important things that can change that. A vote is a powerful thing because if our electorate is engaged, it can promote growth and new opportunities as a country. It elects the representatives that help shape the policies that build and support our country and communities. It directly affects you, which is why you need to vote and spread the word. If you are a young voter, I encourage you to follow suit with the voters of the next generation and register because you have a voice and ability to make change just as much as anyone else.