By Skylar Prinzhorn
Forty-one million Gen Z individuals are eligible to vote in this upcoming election. However, if this election follows the pattern of 2020, only 50 percent of eligible voters will cast their ballots. The eye-catching and pressing statistic begs the question: Why aren’t we voting?
Frequently, young people claim their vote doesn’t matter, they lack information or simply do not care. However, the civil involvement of young adults is imperative. Firstly, exercising your right to vote is an expression of citizenship. So a note to those patriotic individuals: If you love your country, you should participate in it. Moreover, the United States is a Democratic Republic. This means that it is not only a Democracy – a government for the people by the people – but a Republic in which we elect people to represent us in decision making. In other words, the politicians work for us and the only way our government truly functions is through the action of the public. This includes voting, calling, writing, peaceful protest and other levels of advocacy. The easiest of these is voting, which should be done in presidential and local elections, as many people underestimate the power of Congress and state governments.
For those who feel they lack information, I understand. The polarization of the states and our media has created an impossible space for credibility and bipartisanship. But the increase in media has also allowed for plentiful resources. I took information from guides.vote, a website that provides non-partisan voter guides, to give a roundup of candidates’ stances on the most pressing issues for young people.
One of those issues is climate change, which is much bigger than the election. According to guides.vote, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris believes in the climate crisis, while Republican candidate Donald Trump has called it a hoax. As Vice President, Harris cast the deciding vote in Congress to commit $339 billion to climate and clean energy and supported $1.2 trillion in infrastructure, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Trump’s plan includes expanding coal and oil production, and asking oil and gas executives to donate $1 billion to reverse President Joe Biden’s climate plans.
Further, the economy has been a heated talking point. This is imperative to young voters who are looking to buy a house or start a family in the coming years. Harris hopes to expand child tax credit, increase affordable housing and make it easier for first time home buyers. She also aims to have a strict policy on price gouging. Trump plans to increase tariffs and cut housing demands with mass deportations. His plan includes deregulating businesses and rein in areas he deems “wasteful federal spending,”including getting rid of the federal department of education.
Lastly, abortion has been one of the most – if not the most – heated issues of the election. This issue has created a substantial political divide due to its polarization throughout the nation. Trump’s stance on abortion has varied between a complete ban and state’s rights. He claims states should decide the issue, saying “After 50 years of failure, I was able to kill Roe v. Wade.” He did this by appointing three conservative, anti-abortion Supreme Court justices. He claims abortion is not that big of an issue, ignoring the further implications of lifting Roe V. Wade, including a lack of contraception access, female healthcare and sex education,ith no plan to address it. Opposing this, Harris believes that every woman should have the right to make decisions about her own body. Along with Biden, she strengthened access to the abortion pill and patient protections. If elected, she would sign a national abortion rights bill if passed through Congress.
These are just three of numerous important issues that are at stake in the upcoming election. Being a good citizen means not only voting but educating yourself on the issues at hand. This is our future. Find what matters to you and exercise your right that was fought for over and over.
As we approach this critical election, there is a need for a constant reminder that collective voice drives change. By voting, individuals are not only expressing values, but they are holding those elected accountable. The democratic process opens the doors to influence policy and change our futures. Take the time to educate yourself, engage in conversation and make an informed, confident decision at the polls. Your vote matters, do not let it go to waste.
Skylar Prinzhorn is a sophomore studying Secondary Education in History at Springfield College.
Photo by Liam Reilly/The Student