Encouraging Young Voters

Voting is one of the most important responsibilities an American citizen can take undertake. Ironically, it is also one of the simplest of responsibilities to fulfill. It is critical that voters realize that it's not just the national elections that impact their lives. Young voters, especially, need to be made aware of the significance of their votes. If you are a teacher, a parent, a mentor, an employer or simply a friend to a young voter, you might wonder how you can encourage him to vote. Below, you will find some pointers on how to channel a young person's moral obligation into responsible citizenship by voting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Point the young voter to informed resources from which she can gather facts in elections. Whether a local newspaper or a national news source, it is important that the source be unbiased so that the young voter can decide for herself for whom she would like to vote.

2. Explain to the young voter how simple it is to vote. Some young citizens don't vote simply because they are afraid that the process will be difficult. By explaining the voting process, step-by-step, you will be able to alleviate anxiety and give the young voter an outline of a process that should not be overwhelming.

3. Offer to take the young citizen with you when you vote. By simply offering to be by his side, you may be able encourage a young voter to take that first step into the voting booths.

4. Host a field trip. If you are a teacher, a field trip to meet elected officials, see voting locations, talk to people involved in the political process and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the American political process might be exactly the encouragement a young citizen needs.

5. Encourage young people to get involved in the process themselves. By pointing a hopeful young voter to volunteer opportunities available within the political world, you can give her not only an opportunity to beef up her resume, but also an opportunity to get to know the intricacies of the political process.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live with a young potential voter, leave voting brochures around the house. It may help to spark interest.
• Never try to sway a young person's vote. It is important that young people learn how to think for themselves when it comes to their political preferences.