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The youth turnout has risen in recent polls and could be a crucial factor in determining the course America will take
Published : 05 Nov 2024, 06:56 PM
The 2024 US presidential elections are a moment of worry and anticipation for people across the world as they decide who will be the president of the world’s most powerful country for the next four years.
American youth, especially those graduating high school this year, should care about the election as their future is going to be directly impacted throughout their college years. This will affect student loans, housing, and the political climate of the US. Those eligible to vote should do so.
“The 15th Amendment (1870) extended voting rights to men of all races. The 19th Amendment (1920) prohibited the states from denying the vote on the basis of sex. The 24th Amendment (1964) sought to remove barriers to voting by prohibiting a poll tax. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 secured voting rights for adult citizens of all races and genders in the form of federal laws that enforced the amendments.,” according to the National Archives.
To qualify for voter registration in New York State, you must be a US citizen, be 18 years of age or older, be a resident of this state and the county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election, not be in prison for a felony conviction, not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court, and not claim the right to vote elsewhere, according to the New York State election site.
According to Teen Vogue, a recent Harvard youth poll showed strong election enthusiasm among women, which may be a positive sign for Democrats and their nominee Kamala Harris.
The NAACP says that some of the key issues youth voters are interested in are climate change, healthcare, student debt, mental health resources, racial justice, and political reform. They want action to be taken in regard to these issues and are looking to make a better future for themselves.
Young people have been voting in historically high numbers in recent elections, according to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University. The generation's turnout has increased. Now is the time for young Americans to exercise democratic rights and shape the future of the country.
Digital engagement with political content and greater access to information have encouraged more young people to vote.
Gen Z is more likely to be progressive and focus on the environment, the state of the economy, and the education system. It is also the most diverse in terms of race and ethnicity in the history of the US. As a cohort, they are sceptical of traditional politics and tactics and prefer candidates who promise big change. A lot of young people are worried about rising political tensions, violence, and misinformation and have many worries in mind.
Despite these concerns, we should vote anyway because that is how we ensure our voices are heard.
[Samira Tahsoon is a New York City-based youth activist and a youth community organiser for Save The People USA]
