Can’t Vote Yet? You Still Have a Voice

October 17, 2024:

By Julia Diaz (she/her), 17, Staff Writer

October 17, 2024

In less than a month, the U.S. will elect its next president. Other elections will also take place, like for your school board or other local and state representatives.

Winners of elections have the power to create policies that affect your life, no matter the level they occur on!

In the U.S., it’s “we, the people” who are responsible for electing representatives to support our interests. And making sure our interests are represented can be done through voting. Through voting, you make your voice heard!

Not Just Voting for President

Presidential elections occur every four years, but there are elections every year for different levels of government—local, state and national. Governors, members of congress, mayors, town council members and other public servants are all elected, and their policies affect things from whether books and topics are banned in your schools and libraries to the local park staying open. By voting in every election, for different positions, you can make sure that your voice is heard across these diverse areas.

Issues on the Ballot

Elections, especially presidential ones, often feel very distant and big. It can be hard to remember that their results can have a direct impact on our lives. But because they do, it’s important to know what issues are important to you, and support candidates that align with your beliefs.

For example, two examples of topics that affect teenagers are reproductive health and sex education. Having comprehensive, medically-accurate sex education in classrooms and access to contraceptives and reproductive health care are all important to our lives as teens, and are all on the ballot. Because of this, it’s important to use your voice in all elections, not just presidential ones.

What if I’m Too Young to Vote?

Just because you’re under 18 doesn’t mean you can’t get involved! The first step is getting educated. Looking at reliable and factual news sources, studying history and talking with a range of trusted adults are all great ways to learn more.

After you clarify where you stand on the issues, it’s time to get involved! Writing letters to your representatives (check who those are here and here) is a great way to make your opinion heard, even if it isn’t at the ballot box. You can also attend city or town council meetings, follow politicians on social media, volunteer for campaigns, help register others to vote and fundraise for issues you care about.

In many states, you can also register to vote before you turn 18. Some even let you register to vote when you get your driver’s license. Make sure to check your state’s laws and policies to see whether you can register to vote before you turn 18. And if you can’t, be sure to register to vote when you turn 18!

Your vote is your voice. And because all elections can impact your life, it’s important to use your voice and make your opinion heard.

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