Are You Turning 18 Soon? – UPDATED
If you’re turning 18 on or before election day, seize the opportunity to put your youthful enthusiasm into political action.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022 | November 7, 2023. November 5, 2024.
Don’t forget about your state primaries that happen before the national election.
Let your voice be heard.
SPECIAL NOTE:
There is a concerted effort to challenge the eligibility of American voters.
Encourage everyone in your circle to verify that their registration is active.
There is still time to correct any erroneous removal from the voter rolls.
2024 is a Presidential Election
Presidential elections are important, but every election is vital to our democracy.
The smaller the election – the more your vote matters. State and local elections have a more immediate, direct impact on you than what happens in Washington, D.C.
Local Elections Matter
All politics are local. It may be an old cliché, but it happens to be true.
Unsure of the power of your vote?
Read these articles: 6 Times a Single Vote Really Did Change an Election | HowStuffWorks | Louisiana candidate wins by 1 vote in Caddo Parish Sheriff election | AP News
Across the pond a narrow victory for the Conservative Party Chairman in the July 2024 election.
School districts are being seized by people with nefarious agendas that harm many students.
They do this under the guise of protecting parents’ rights, but they don’t intend to defend the rights of all parents – just those who hold their beliefs.
If you’ve had a well-rounded, expansive education and want those behind you to have the same experience – VOTE!
If your education was stifled by book bans or history lessons straight out of the 1950s – VOTE.
Young voters in Poland played a key role in driving the ruling party out of the majority.
Use social media to urge your family and friends to vote.
There’s too much at stake to sit on the sidelines.
2023 is a Busy Election Year
In addition to the local contests in your area, across the nation, there are thirty-four Senate seats and four hundred and thirty-five House seats on this year’s ballots. That’s a total of four hundred sixty-nine congressional seats to be decided. There are also thirty-six governor seats to be decided.
You should be one of the deciders. The laws enacted by elected officials will have long-term impacts on you.
If you believe the system isn’t working for you, work to change it. Marching demonstrates your willingness to publicly take a stand. Election Day is the time to do it privately – in the voting booth.
Familiarize yourself with the candidates and all referendums on the ballot. Decide where you stand and who gets your vote.
Research well. Determine which candidates will work for the future you want. It’s impossible to support a candidate you agree with completely. Find the candidates that pledge to address most of your concerns.
Elections are the great equalizers. A vote equals a vote. Your vote has as much power as someone twice your age, employed in a high-power job or a different political party. But only if you use it.
Your vision for the future can be realized if you work to make it happen.
Register to Vote
Requirements to register and deadlines vary by state. Check your state’s Board of Elections website or start here: vote.org. Follow all instructions and hand-deliver or mail your application before the deadline.
Voter Registration Deadlines – Vote.org (find your state)
Under 18? You Can Still Take Action
If you’re not turning 18 in time to vote in this election, there are other ways you can participate in the democratic, political process.
- Join or start a voter registration campaign
- Make sure your friends and family are registered
- Coordinate rides to the polls
- Join or start a Get Out the Vote effort
- Volunteer for the campaign of a candidate you support
These endeavors will not only make you an active participant in our democracy, but they will also help build and broaden your network and can be helpful on your college applications.
This is your time to shape the future of the nation. Get to work!
