In the midst of midterms, it can be easy to lose hope in the impact of a single vote, especially as a young adult. However, it is important to remember how valuable you are as a citizen of this country. As college students, our votes help shape the changes that will affect our lives moving forward. Many college students like to have a future planned out for themselves after they graduate: getting a nice job, renting an apartment, cooking good meals, and living a life they would consider comfortable. All of these aspects of life are influenced by decisions made by the government and our elected officials. It is easy to think that one vote, like your own, will not make a difference in an election. However, democracy and our government are built around the participation of individuals, whose collective voices help shape an ever-changing political system.
While you may not feel the effects immediately, college students are still affected by the government on a daily basis. Think about filling up your car to go home, buying snacks and groceries for your dorm, and receiving financial aid from the government. All of these aspects of life can be affected by the legislation that elected government officials introduce and pass into law. Since these laws affect citizens throughout the United States, everyone, including college students and young adults, should have a say in the political process and participate in midterm elections.
As a college student, I know many friends who believe their votes will not matter because they are young adults and do not feel that these elections will directly affect them. To combat this mindset, the ACPL has worked to improve civic education and engagement on campus, helping challenge the idea that college students should not participate in midterm elections. As we move forward as a country and as a society, we must be focused on educating the young adults of America, showing them just how important voting is to the future they want to build. By encouraging students to become informed and engaged citizens, we can help ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are represented in the decisions that will shape their lives.
Made By Dakota Malizia
