Introduction: The Importance of Young People Voting
When it comes to politics and voting in general elections, young people’s involvement and participation are simply non-existent. Over the years, it has become somewhat of an expectation and norm to see young people not voting or partaking in politics. But starting today, this needs to change.
The problem with the lack of involvement among youth in politics is that the decisions made today determine our future. The political decisions and laws implemented today have long-lasting effects that ultimately shape the course of our adulthood.
Young people fail to realize the potential they have to transform politics. Because we are most affected by political outcomes, politicians are more inclined to listen to our demands and take our issues on board.
So, let’s look at the positive side of things, the benefits of voting, and why young people should vote.
Why Should Young People Vote?
The government of today shapes the youth’s future.
The decisions made today are long-term and will ultimately alter our future. Because of this, we should be voting so that those in power making decisions feel obliged to do so in a manner that betters our future.
We’re making it easier for politicians to ignore our issues.
It’s often said that politicians don’t care about young people and remain uninterested in our concerns, yet by not voting, youths are giving them a reason not to be. They don’t deem it necessary to include young people because they aren’t of any service to them in getting into government, so why should they bother? But if they start voting, politicians will be forced to take on board youth issues and opinions if they hope to be elected. If young people continue not to vote, they make it easier for politicians to ignore them and lose the right to complain when things don’t go their way.
Politics needs a fresher, more diverse perspective
One characteristic of today’s youth is how passionate they are about topics that impact them. In that way, they are ideal frontrunners for community-based activism. Studies have shown that Gen Z is the most likely generation to boycott a product, company, country, or state due to an ethical stance: only 1 in 5 Gen Z-ers would work for a company that doesn’t share their values, and 70% of Gen Z-ers are involved in at least one social or political cause. Yet when it comes to partaking in the democratic process, young people are nowhere to be found. If we already have this significant impact, imagine the power we would hold and how much better politics would be. Politics today needs a newer, fresher, more diverse perspective, and young voters are the best way to achieve this.
It’s time to stop being whiners and start being doers.
Young people are the first to complain about what’s wrong with politics, criticize the system, its leaders, and its members, yet they do nothing to try and create change. We have a voice that should be used to bring about newer, contemporary outcomes that incorporate us and what we represent. Instead of whining, moaning, and complaining, use that energy to become doers, making the difference we desire.
The Impact of Young Voters:
When you ask a young person why they don’t vote, they’ll probably say the following:
“Does my vote really mean anything? No, so why should I bother?”
Did you know that young voters gave Labour a significant boost in 2017? Age was a significant factor in the 2017 general election. Labour was favored by the youth, with a great 60% of voters aged 18–24 voting for the then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Despite their loss, young people’s input allowed 262 Labour MPs to get elected to parliament. This proves that young people’s votes do mean something.
“None of the political parties running have done anything for me so far. They fail to represent me and my views. So, what would I gain from voting for them?”
“I don’t know how to vote. I don’t know how to sign up for the electoral roll.”
It’s simple! Go to gov.uk to find out how to vote, where to vote, and sign up for the electoral roll.
Conclusion
It’s now or never. We need to be active participants in the electoral system because if we don’t, we aren’t helping ourselves or our future. So, let’s get involved, become interested, and start voting. Sign up at gov.uk.
