“Young people need to vote. They need to get out there. Every vote counts. Educate yourself too. Don’t just vote. Know what you’re voting for, and stand by that.” Actress Nikki Reed is merely one of the umpteen celebrities who have voiced their concerns about the youth of America voting and the importance of doing so. A great deal of millennials (people within the age range 18-34) are not turning out to vote in state, national and mid-term elections for an array of reasons, and many are not registered to vote. According to a poll conducted by Harvard, 80% of millennials do not consider themselves politically engaged or active. Having a large demographic of people, especially one whose vote could have a dramatic affect on any election, who do not feel any ties to the government, could begin to explain why there is such a low voter turnout for millennials.
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) has stated that 46 million young people (ages 18-29) are eligible to vote, vastly outnumbering seniors who only make up 39 million of the electorate. The vote of every young person could have an enormous impact on the politics of the United States, but only if they choose to vote. There’s a plethora of college students who do believe their vote matters and who do vote.
For instance, Caleb, a college sophomore, mailed in his absentee ballot to ensure his vote would be counted. When asked if he believes every vote, including his own-mattered, he replied “Every vote matters. Of course sometimes your side doesn’t win; however, expressing your opinion and translating that on a ballot shows your concern which doesn’t just die in vain after Election Day.” Too few college students recognize the importance of voting in elections of any sorts, and many believe their votes do not count.
The belief that one’s vote does not count could be part of the reason why only 19.9% of 18-29 year olds cast a ballot in the 2014 presidential election
Another reason why many millennials, especially those in college, choose not to vote or even register is due to the fact that they live nomadic lifestyles, often traveling for work, internships and school. Thus, they do not have a permanent or predictable address.The constant moving makes the voter registration process confusing and difficult for college students. The voter registration form is fairly simple to fill out; however, a reliable Ohio address must be provided. College students may use their address on campus as their address on their voter registration form, but every time they move it needs to be updated which can be a hassle for the already busy student. Other than a permanent address, a valid ID (a college ID does count!) and either driver’s license or last four digits of a social security number are also required to register to vote. The voter registration process truly is not very difficult, but most college students do not realize how simple it is to register.
(Above) The voter registration form for Ohio is a simple, one page form that can be filled out in person or mailed in. There’s nothing scary about registering; we promise!
Students at Kent State and the surrounding colleges are split on their feelings on voting and registration.
Kyle, a senior at Akron, said that he is registered in case he ever felt interested enough to vote, but that he doesn’t believe his “vote has much significance.”
In contrast, other students said that they believe their vote does matter because it allows for their voices to be heard. Alexis, a music education major, said that she strongly believes in voting because it is one of the “greatest factors that distinguishes the U.S. from the other countries. Everyone should exercise this right…[this is] an opportunity that many would give anything to obtain.”
(Above) As an American citizen, it is crucial to stay informed on all issues on the ballot in order to make an informed decision.
Despite the belief that voting matters, most Kent State students are not registered to vote in Portage County (if they are registered at all). Portage County has a population of 163, 862 (as of 2013) and the student body of Kent State is 41, 214 (as of 2014), but there are only 99, 434 registered voters in the county. In this last state election 43.8% of registered voters in Portage County voted. If more of the Kent State students registered in Portage County and voted, their voice would help bring about change in the county and state elections for sure.
The ability to vote and make one’s voice heard is sacred to democracy. It is a right that many people have had to fight for and did not take for granted. Many college students have forgotten all that it took for every person in this country to have this basic right. Whether the right to vote has been taken for granted, or if it’s a lack of interest, many college students are not registering and voting. Hopefully in the future, information can be shared more, creating an informed group of collegiates. Voter registration only takes a couple minutes; don’t make excuses, sign up to vote!
(Below) Every time a ballot is cast, an opinion is cast. Every vote matters because they show politicians how the country feels about them, their opponents, and various issues.