Why Young People Need to Vote

The vote of the American youth is a powerful force that has been woefully untapped in the past. Youth are the future of the United States, and it is crucial for them to take an active role in the transformation of this country because they can make a huge difference.

Size

In 2008, there were 44 million voters that fell into the category of "young voters" (defined here as voters who are between the ages of 18 and 29 years old). Considering that in 2004, approximately 20 million youth voters cast their votes, this group had the capability of more than doubling their political force in the 2008 elections.

History

In 1972, during the Vietnam War, President Nixon changed the law in order to allow American adults between the ages of 18 to 20 years of age to vote. The logic behind this change was presumably that men who were as young as 18 years old were being drafted to fight in a war that they often did not even believe in and could likely give up their lives without ever having an opportunity to voice their opinion in the political realm.

Significance

If utilized properly, the youth vote could make a significant difference in any election. They could be described as a political powerhouse that has the ability to move mountains, not merely by participating in their right to vote but also by voicing their opinions about politics and becoming involved on a more regular basis.

Effects

Many issues that concern the youth population have been decided, for the most part, without their significant input. These issues include environmental conservation, civil liberties, jobs and reproductive rights. If the youth mobilizes efficiently, they will be able to make palpable change that will affect them directly in their daily lives. The failure of the youth to vote would mean giving up their chance to make a real difference.

Features

Youth's increasing interest in politics has grown more and more apparent by the explosion of political commentary within media that is dominated by the younger generations. Political messages can be found throughout websites such as YouTube, MySpace and Facebook, and even the nightly news is starting to cater more toward young voters. This is a clear indication that the youth is needed to flex its political power to bring about change.

Resources

• Learn more about how the youth can "Rock the Vote."