Written by Maahi Sethi, Communications Intern
There’s a line that we have all probably heard, or maybe even said: “My vote doesn’t matter.” It’s really easy to believe this, when you’re juggling school, classes, a job, and when politics seems so far removed from our everyday lives.
But here’s something we should all keep in mind; young voters are not just a group that elected officials could listen to, but when we actually show up at the polls, we hold the power to decide elections.
Young Voters already decide some close races
Plenty of local races are decided often by a few hundred votes, if not even fewer. In those elections, a few young voters can tip the outcome. Imagine what could happen if a single dorm, a classroom, or even your entire circle of friends showed up to the polls.
And the truth is that these local races make decisions that affect our everyday lives. For example, a city council vote on zoning can impact price differences in rent. A school board directly impacts public education. Our state legislature sets tuition policy, minimum wage, and also decides how elections are conducted. Judges, Sheriffs, and district attorneys make choices that impact public safety and community justice.
Skipping an election doesn’t keep you out of politics. It just means that our elected officials will make decisions, without your voice heard.
You don’t have to know everything!
Nobody walks into the voting booth knowing everything.
You already know a few things though! As a young voter, you know what your life is like, what you are worried about, and the things you’d like to see changing. That is exactly the perspective an election captures!
Research on civic engagement has consistently found that people who vote in the first few eligible races are more likely to keep voting. Voting is a civic habit and is also incredibly contagious! When you tell your friends you voted, or post about it, or bring someone along, you increase the odds that they will also vote.
You don’t have to know everything, or agree with your parents or your friends on everything. It’s okay to disagree, and it’s okay to do so politely. What matters most is that we don’t get discouraged from showing up at the polls, and making our voices heard.
There are also real barriers, so plan ahead!
You might be in a different state for college, be away at school, or not even know where your polling place is. But these are all factors that we can overcome as young voters.
The best way to tackle this is by planning ahead to vote:
- Check your registration at the Georgia My Voter Page ahead of time.
- Know your options to early vote, or absentee ballot.
- Find your polling place ahead of time through the Georgia My Voter Page and find the times your polling location is open till.
- Most importantly, pick a time, and put it on your calendar, like any other appointment!
Let’s all make sure that we show up at the polls and have a say in the future we all collectively share.