Millennial's'​Not Active In Local Politics

The voter turnout rate among 18-25 years old have continued to be lower than other age groups. Young people show no involvement when it comes to politics, some people argue that young people are not interested in politics. However, that is not the case; it is due to our politicians, ignoring the youth. Voting is used to express a particular issue or course of action. It enables people to select there own government; it also allows citizens to choose their own representatives. In the 2012 Presidential Election, about 62% of people had costed there votes. However, in the 2014 Midterm elections only 42% of Americans had voted. (McElwee 2018). This clearly shows that the turnout rate is generally low then presidential elections. The reason why the youth should vote is that they can make a difference in this country, by simply showing up at the polls. Suffering a major disengagement of youth from politics; it is crucial to educate our youth, get them involved, and explain to them how there political participation can make a difference.

One of the reasons why our youth today does not show involvement in politics because they are not properly educated on the topic. Teaching political engagement is necessary for teachers as one of there major responsibilities. Students become effective learners by seeing their teacher’s actions. Many teachers have observed the decline of teaching civic engagement, and how the standard curriculum has placed too much emphasis on teaching government rather than civic engagement. However, not many teachers are addressing the issue. Many young people do not vote because they never learned the importance. According to an article, by the youth are not familiar with the voting system, and new efforts should be made to educate why young people should vote. In 2004, Congress pushed all schools to offer some educational program on voting. In fact, more than 80 organizations across the country and school districts, such as Los Angeles and Philadelphia, have committed to having the curriculum taught in more than 2,000 schools across the country (Straus, 2019). One way to demonstrate and encourage students at a younger age is to take field trips to a voter polling station. We always learn that healthy habits are developed at a young age; therefore, we need to educate and demonstrate the importance of voting to our children at a young age, this way they can carry that on in the future. Another way that can be demonstrated is to encourage our kids by providing live seminars and online workshops to teach our kids; this includes social media outlets.

Today, we see our youth take charge in many areas as they organize countless events for a change. However, we don’t see that enthusiasm when it comes to politics. Recently, I was appointed to be on the 2020 Irving Complete Count Committee, under the City Of Irving. I am the youngest member of the committee and upsets me to see this. Our youth need to understand they have a voice, and they have a right to express it. It is important to have young participation in local politics so that our communities can benefit from their new ideas and opinions. This enthusiasm needs to be developed by getting the youth involved in different ways. One way to do this allows them to self-select a topic that concerns them the most. For example, aspiring youth who want to attend college might be interested in education laws. They might want to advocate for free college tuition. To do this they can first conduct their research by interviewing college students, or people who wanted to attend college but couldn’t. Once they have their research then they can arrange to present their issue to the local congressman and state representative. This would be a good starting point for anyone trying to get involved. An issue of one’s interest will create more concern and determination for resolvement.

Our politicians today, must make an effort to connect with our youth because they are our future, and will impact their education and their livelihood. Many political candidates have now realized the significance with the youth. As a matter of fact, political candidates such as Beto O’ Rourke, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Biden are trying to replicate the success of Barack Obama when he connected with young voters from 2008 and 2012. According to a census report, in 2008 young voters helped Barack Obama get elected in office. There was a total of 66% of 18-19-year-olds who got out and voted in that election season. In 2012, fewer people are registered and have become less engaged than other groups. This dramatic change demonstrates that it is possible for our youth to get involved and voice their opinions.

These political candidates are active on social media that attract the younger generation in order to get them involved. This involvement of social media can lead to a possible solution of increasing young voter turnout rates, simply by our politicians creating a connection with the youth. Another way politician can reach out to the youth is to have to monthly or yearly town-hall meetings, which will benefit the politicians to hear from the youth, and the youth are able to connect the politician. An additional reason why youth involvement is not seen in voting is that they feel as though they are not being represented enough. According to an article, by International Knowledge Networks OF Women in Politics, today almost 1.9% of youth are not being represented (2019). The youth strongly believe that the politicians run for office for their own self-esteem. Our politicians need to realize the significance of our youth, and that without them, this country won’t be successful. If we don’t teach our kids their rights, as a citizen, then who will? It is our right and duty to motivate our kids to go out and make sure their voices are heard It is our right and duty to motivate our kids to go out and make sure their voices are heard, regardless of whether they think they have less representation. By going out and becoming active members of politics, they will feel their representation as a society grow.

A prime example a positive way for a child to develop their conversational skills would be to involve them into local organization or committees that will give them an opportunity to share their opinion and thoughts on a topic. For example, the Toastmasters club is a workshop consisting of eight or two-hour sessions that enable young people under the age of 18 to develop their communication and leadership, through practical experience.

According to a study by the Washington Post, being politically engaged is not only good for society, but research suggests it’s good for individuals, too. “Voting and feeling a commitment to a community gives young people a bigger sense of purpose and builds their social network,” said Kei Kakashi Ginsberg (2018). If you have an elementary child, give them a brief summary of why it is important to vote and explain to them the positive benefits and negative benefits. When you are at home try to assign them chores and frame it’s each person’s contribution to making the home better. Introduce your middle school child on government by through books free educational video games such as those found on iCivics.org. For example, children and parents can play “Counties Work,” a game in which players take on the role of a county commissioner and learn firsthand how local governments impact citizens. Also, try to teach your children how to stay connected an informed about the news that they hear. Show them credible news outlets, such as CNN.com, bbc.com or the Washington Post, and tell them which sites that spread the wrong information. On a monthly basis, take your teen to council meetings where issues are debated.

There are many things that can be exercised to encourage voter participation among youth. One thing that can be done is by taking field trips, creating live seminars and webinars to youth. This will enable the youth to exercise their right to vote, and it will create a strong connection with the politician. Another way that can be done is to have monthly or yearly town hall meetings where a group of youngsters or families can discuss these issues at hand with their elected official; this way the youth can talk to the elected official and the official can give their input about it.

In conclusion, there is a desperate need for young talented individuals to be present in local politics. The youth are given an opportunity to prove themselves to the entire world. If we ensure the right balance of young talent and experienced politicians it can lead to a healthy and better political environment, which will restore the political system. However, I believe this is because we need to see our youth more in the polling stations and showing more interest in politics. Many people will say that we have tried every avenue possible. I will do my best to motivate every single young-minded individual to care about politics. Many people are not putting that much effort; they are not connecting to the youth properly; many politicians only want their votes from the youth, but they really are not connecting with the youth. This is the time where we push our youth to become politically active and make an impact on this country. If we want our youth to become good citizens of this country than there are certain steps we must take.