Uh oh! It’s midterm season, and you forgot you have an exam in an hour. You decide sleep is more important than class and skip the test, but then you’re shocked and disappointed when your grade on the exam is a zero. That disappointment is pretty unwarranted, right?Â
This scenario is exactly what happens to about 69% of 18 to 24-year-old voters with real midterms: the U.S. Midterm election.Â
According to the American Civics Center, less than 30% of 18-year-olds are registered to vote in midterm elections. While 18 to 24-year-olds usually have very strong turnout in major elections, such as the presidential election, their turnout in the midterms and primaries is historically low.Â
Low voter turnout in this age group for smaller elections is due to a multitude of reasons. From inaccessibility to polling or registering, lack of education around why small elections matter, or simply the idea that a single vote doesn’t matter.Â
Many 18 to 24-year-olds are pursuing secondary education and may have moved out of their home, to a different state, or across counties in their home state. This can make voting difficult, as many have to request mail-in or absentee ballots, or in states like New Hampshire, must register in person before leaving for college. These obstacles, though easily overcome, discourage young voters from showing up to the polls, especially in elections other than the presidential election.Â
While midterm and primary elections don’t garner the same media attention or seemingly “importance” as a presidential election, they are just as important, if not more important than the presidential election. Electing local and state officials, including a governor, is one of the simplest ways of participating in government. Once issues start arising, these officials are much more accessible than someone in the federal government.
Considering the obstacles that come with obtaining a ballot for a young voter, as well as the lack of hype surrounding midterm elections, many young people believe that their singular vote doesn’t matter. This is especially relevant for those who live in historically blue or red states that don’t tend to swing the other way.Â
This idea is conceptually inaccurate, however, as a singular vote could be the tiebreaker in a tight race or could inspire change in others. When we do not exercise our right to vote, we are purposefully not participating in our government, and the lack of that singular vote is one less voice represented.Â
It’s increasingly important to bring new generations of ideas and influence into politics, especially with the aging political figures that are currently in power. One of the simplest ways to do that is encouraging 18 to 24-year-olds to register and vote in all elections, and especially this year’s midterms.
Go vote!
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