Five Reasons to Vote (If You’re a New Voter)

Local, state, and federal elections will be held next Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and we need to ensure that every vote is counted in this historic election. Voting for the first time can be daunting since it’s a new experience - but that is why TeenSource is a resource for you to feel confident as you cast your ballot.

If you’re under 18, you can still pre-register to vote online and encourage your family and friends to vote! If you're registered to vote, you should have already received a vote-by-mail ballot at the beginning of the month. If you have not registered already, you can do Same Day Voter Registration and find your closest polling place!

These are five reasons why you should vote this election:

  1. We represent the future of the United States

As the future generation, we need to represent the United States in the way that we deem fit. When politicians pass legislation, it should be legislation that you want and support. We will be most affected by who is in the state legislature and Congress. When voting, you need to ask yourself if they represent what you want: now, later, or ten years from now. 

  1. Many of us need to display our diverse opinions

Our generation is the most diverse generation ever in history, which means that there are multitudes of opinions that can be expressed. In the U.S., there are many ways to voice your opinion: you can protest, you can advocate for new bills and laws, and most importantly you can vote. Voting allows for every voice to be heard, no matter a person’s socioeconomic status, gender, or race. Your voice is uplifted alongside everyone else’s in an equal manner. 

  1. There are more educational opportunities available

With the rise of technology, we are one of the most connected generations in history. With online resources widely available, you can become educated about the problems that face us today. Even on social media, you’re able to find data and resources about voting and even side-by-side comparisons of candidates so you can make an informed decision. Check out Vote.org and Vote Smart to make sure you’re voter ready!

  1. Policies directly affect you

As youth and young adults, we are one of the groups most directly affected by policies that the U.S. passes. For example, education policies can impact what we learn in school and how our curriculum is conducted. Health policies can impact the ways we’re able to get health care or even exercise our own health rights. 

  1. Your voice has the ability to make a difference

Although there are a million voters across the country, your vote still has weight and still matters. If no one voted, there would be no way to make a consensus of who would become local officials, state officials, or even president. Remember, your vote can make positive change. The only way for your vote to not count, is by simply not voting. Young people (ages 18-24) make up to 7% of the population - which means that we can sway the election and be the deciding vote to determine who becomes the next president, governor, mayor, and more.

Being able to vote on ballot propositions and choose your candidates will ensure that your voice will be one of the American voices making decisions inside of our country today. Make sure to vote by November 5th! Your voice matters.