Young Adults and Voting

Exercising our right to vote is one powerful way we can clearly articulate and consistently confirm commitment to family, church, community, and the world! Linda Sutton (WNCC Voter Registration/Education) passionately educates on the importance of voting: “In the history of this nation, there has never been an election season like we have now. There is so much at stake - the very foundation of our democratic structure is at risk of being turned back; decades of progress made by so many before us, reversed. This consequential election may be one that will erode basic provisions that are designed to help the poor, families, seniors, and youth. At risk are voting rights, social security, health benefits, education, gun control and more. Only we can ensure our own survival.

But there are those who intend to take us back in time by subverting the election process. Franklin D. Roosevelt stated, ‘Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.’ When we fail to vote, we fail as a people to make lives better for future generations.”

Michael McClain (National Director, African American Faith Engagement) stated, “More young people have registered to vote in NC since the presidential election.” Young Adult voting is up 9%, but their voting numbers are low. Many believe that today's Young Adults feel casting their vote won’t make any difference. I asked a few Young Adult Zionites, and here are their words:

“I am in the middle because I KNOW that voting and speaking out DOES have the potential to change things and turn tides. However, as a Young Adult I have felt that often our voices are not given the same amount of validation as someone older than us. There have also been times as a young African American girl that I feel like my voice has been silenced and placed on mute as opposed to my young white male or female brothers and sisters.”

“I agree to some point! I believe Young Adults are starting to see the importance-especially the ones voting for the first time! As we are being educated more, we are starting to see that it matters!”

“I agree that many Youth and Young Adults feel like casting votes won't make a difference. Because it's a trending topic on social media today, people keep saying it doesn't matter if we vote.”

“I agree that many young adults may feel as though their vote is but a drop in the ocean, yet I firmly believe that each vote is like a mustard seed—small, but capable of growing into great change. Every voice matters in shaping the future.”

“I believe that many of our Young Adults are under the impression that casting their vote won’t make a difference, but I don’t agree with this mentality. I believe that we are very important in this election and have the power to make a difference by exercising our right to vote.”

“I agree that casting my vote will make a difference. In fact, it is a way to make sure that my voice and my stance on political issues is heard.”

“I would have to disagree because many Young Adults now make up a vast majority of the working middle-class. And because we now understand the importance that a vote has on one’s socioeconomic welfare and well-being, we take seriously our due diligence and obligation to make our voice matter by voting. While there are many who fall prey to the misinformation that their voice nor their vote matters, I would argue that there are many more who understand the importance of voting.”

“I disagree! I believe our vote does count.”

I then asked, “What is your response to older voters who automatically believe you don't plan to vote?” The responses were equally engaging.

“To older voters who presume I will not vote, I would gently remind them that we care about our future and seek to make wise decisions for the good of all, even if our approach differs from previous generations.”

“Older people think so less of younger people. We actually know and do more than they think! This election has shown, I believe, that our vote matters. So, for them to think I believe that is totally not true!!!! We do vote way more than they think!”

“I may be young, but I’m ready (lol)! No really, you can’t group all of us together.”

“My response to older voters would be not to so easily assume that we don't plan to vote. Instead talk to us and ask us; educate us if need be from a respectful, loving place, and then we may consider it if we had previously planned not to.”

“My advice would be to take a look around you and really see what’s going on in this current political climate. There is so much at stake. It is of utmost importance that we plan a strategy to encourage and increase knowledge about the importance of this election and work that plan to get people registered and to the polls.”

“My response to older people who automatically believe that I don’t plan to vote is to ask and not assume - just because we’re a younger generation doesn’t mean we don’t understand the importance of letting our voices be heard.”

“I would tell them that if they do not take the opportunity to vote, they lose their right to complain when things do not work out the way they want them to. We should vote in every election. Not just the presidential election.”

“I believe it is an unfair assumption to believe that all young adults are not interested in using our voice as our vote. Many of us are actively engaged in the political arena because, now more than ever, we understand that our power is in our voice and our voice is heard loud and clear with our vote. We realize that for us to change the future landscape of our country, we must do that on the local and national levels.”

And finally, I asked, “What words of encouragement would you share with a Young Adult who doesn't plan to vote?” And they answered:

“Contrary to popular belief, your life and your vote matter!”

“Your freedom is intertwined with your right to vote. Your ancestors fought and died for you to be able to vote and have a voice. Don’t silence yourself because you think “They” won’t hear you and your vote won’t matter. Be a voice not an echo! Use your voice to make a change and a difference now! Your Vote IS your Voice!”

“Things may not always go the way you want them to, but if you do nothing, they surely won't get anywhere near it. Take the chance that the change you want to see will happen.”

“Vote; vote; vote! If you don’t, we lose! Get educated on the candidates and exercise your right to vote to change what you don’t like and to keep our democracy!”

“Some words of encouragement that I would give to young adults who don’t plan to vote is to PLEASE vote! This election is crucial, and the next few years will depend on it. It’s our time to make a difference and make sure our voices are heard very loud and clear. EVERY vote counts, so that includes yours too!”

“I would tell older voters that I do plan to vote. I vote because someone gave their life for me to have the opportunity to do so. That alone is a reason that will exercise my right to vote.”

“YOU Matter! And because YOU matter, your VOICE matters. And because your voice matters, your VOTE matters. Don’t allow the gift that our ancestors gave us to go without appreciation. Appreciate them by lifting your voice and voting!”

“To a young adult not planning to vote, I would say, Voting is a way to sow seeds of justice and righteousness for future generations. Your voice, no matter how small it may seem, can help shape the world for the better.”

Zion’s Young Adults have much to say. Let’s encourage them to amplify their voices by casting their vote!