With the highly anticipated midterm elections coming up, I went to vote for the first time now that I'm legally allowed to. Since I voted early, I didn't expect too many people at the polling place; but I was wrong. There had to have been at least 50 people, all over 65 years old, waiting in line. It was a little frustrating considering I wanted to be in and out in a few minutes. The poll workers were genuinely shocked to see someone who couldn't pass as a grandpa in there, and I myself was equally surprised to see that I was the only young guy voting. The direction of our country and the policy that shapes it is very important, and I think it's crucial that young people take part in one of our most important civic duties as Americans and vote, no matter where you are on the spectrum.
Many of my friends say they don't really care enough about "politics" to vote or be engaged in the national conversation focusing on many pressing issues facing the country we all live in. The point I try to stress is that we all should care, because sooner than later, many of us will be looking for a high paying job, paying taxes, buying a home, and starting a family. Very quickly, the life you aspire to live becomes dependent on a strong, healthy economy. Who more or less dictates economic policy? The politicians we elect to office. There's often this misconception among young people that "all sides are bad" or "my vote won't matter" but that couldn't be further from the truth. If you hate both the Republicans and the Democrats, find a party or candidate that aligns with your beliefs, because there's more than just two options. I strongly encourage people my age to vote because this country belongs to us too, and it's rewarding to feel that in this democracy we have the power to dictate policy decisions that can make a significant difference.
Fed up with soaring gas prices? Vote. Angry over the Dobbs abortion decision? Vote. Want the second amendment protected? Vote. Believe there should be enhanced gun control laws? Vote. Care about climate change? Vote. Want to cut property taxes? Vote. Regardless of what you believe is important or where you stand, vote. We the people are the bosses, not the other way around.
I was thinking about going to vote but ultimately decided not to. I had all my classes on that exact day and I think that my political views wouldn't really matter in a primarily democratic state.
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