Generation Z, this is our call to action; we hold the ability to change our country’s politics within our hands, we just have to pick up the pen and fill in a square, it’s simple as that. Early voting began over a month ago on Sept. 18 in Virginia and it runs all the way through October. With early voting, mail-in ballots, and in-person voting, there are so many options for us to choose from to make our vote count.
During the 2016 election, most of us weren’t able to vote yet, being under the age of 18. But now, every Gen Z’er over the age of 18 should be registered to vote — there is no excuse not to be. It is quite literally our civic duty to vote, and it’s something you should be proud to do. Especially during such an uncertain time as the one we are experiencing now, with a global pandemic, social and racial injustice, the death of a prominent Supreme Court judge, and the rights of many on the line, our vote means more than ever, and it’s crucial that we take advantage of the opportunity to transform our opinions into reality. In fact, it’s because of what we’re seeing in our country today that many Gen Z’ers are showing up at the polls this election year. Many people, like myself, aren’t happy with the current state of American politics and want to be a part of the change, and I encourage you to join that fight.
A Harvard Youth Poll found that 63% of America’s youth, including Gen Z, will “definitely be voting” in this election, which is drastically higher than the 47% during the 2016 election. For some in this generation, including myself, this is the first presidential election we can vote in. It’s new territory, but it’s exciting. More than 15 million Americans have turned 18 since the last presidential election, allowing us to make this election the highest turnout of young voters that the country has ever seen.
According to Statista, Gen Z accounts for over 20% of the American population and is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation. With such a diverse background of perceptions and beliefs, we have the chance to voice the opinions of others who may not be able to vote due to age or citizenship laws. Since the oldest members of Gen Z are only 23, those who can vote make up a good chunk of that 20%, which gives us an advantage. We should all be voting and making ourselves heard within the next few weeks if you haven’t already.
No matter how you choose to vote this year, it’s important to get it done promptly. Stay informed on the issues that matter to you, watch the debates — if there are any more, that is — and make your decision. It’s important that you don’t miss your chance to vote this year, as your vote can make a huge difference in the lives of many. It’s time for us to come together as a generation and do what’s best for our country and those who live in it. We can’t continue to tolerate the way that many are being treated at the hands of the few who run the government and the rules that govern us. It is up to us to make a change to vote for the kind of world we want to live in.