In every election, the 18 to 25 year old vote has potential to be the most powerful, if people at that age actually voted. While it is the largest voting block in the country, this age rarely turns out in large numbers. Every election cycle, politicians promise change and look to the people for votes, but what they promise is not always the change young people want.
The low turnout rate of young voters might make politicians think it may not be worth making promises if the people they are making them to do not vote. This creates the problem for younger voters feeling unrepresented. If younger people are not voting, then they simply will not represented.
Senior Jay Falk has been active in voter registration, working toward increasing young voters. She said, “Voting is the heart of our democracy. Young people make up almost 30% of our entire eligible voting electorate and have the potential to be the most influential voting generation alive today.”
There are plenty of examples of elections that were decided by small margins. The biggest example being the 2000 election, which was determined by just over 500 votes in one state, Florida.
No matter what past turnout has been, younger people are becoming increasingly involved. There are marches and walkouts all being planned by high school students who are tired of ineffective policies. Students want their voices heard, and the best way to do that is vote.
Since most people in the senior class and some juniors will be 18, students should register at least 30 days before the primary to ensure they are in the system and can vote. In this general election the entire House and 34 seats of the Senate are up for election.
Dates to remember:
Virginia Primary Date: June 12, 2018
General Election: November 6, 2018