With the upcoming presidential race, much of the focus has centered on ridiculous jargon and scandals. Because of this, young people are more frequently distancing themselves from politics. This is wrong. Not all issues can be solved on the federal level — local politics matter, too — and it is important that young people start getting involved in their communities.
Involvement, not apathy, proves results. We must shift our focus away from the pessimistic view of politics and regain faith in the electoral system. In the 2014 midterm election, youth turnout was at a mere 21.5 percent according to the The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University. The lack of civic engagement is a huge problem in this nation, and the people of this country need to understand the importance of voting before they decide not to. Specifically in local elections, your ballot could be the deciding vote. Voters will decide this year whether or not we want to take Binghamton into a bright future, or whether we want to be stuck in the past. The future of Downtown, for example, is at stake this year. See what issues you care about and ask candidates what they think about them. If they are true to their desire to be representatives for the people, they will answer your call.
Many do not realize the issues that they care about on a day-to-day basis can be solved by their political involvement, whether it be through voting or attending a neighborhood assembly meeting. Whether you are a student or a local citizen, you are a resident of Binghamton and have a shared desire to see it grow. Simple issues like the abundance of potholes in Binghamton, the desire to make Downtown more friendly to bicyclists and many more could be addressed by expressing your voice and by electing someone whom you are confident will advocate for you and the issues you care about.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires action, so go out and fight for victory. This generation, and each generation thereafter, should be politically active. It is a desire founded in a profound respect for democracy and equal representation — a collective action to get something done. Those who are actively involved in their community, whether it be through volunteering or working as an educator, truly understand the importance of civic engagement. It is a conscious awareness to try and improve the lives of others and the well-being of one’s community.
Some may believe that your vote doesn’t matter. The truth is the complete opposite; your voice does matter, and it can mean the difference in an election. Take, for instance, two counties in Florida with dead heat elections. Two separate elections had candidates tied; there was no reelection. There was no recount. There was no runoff. There was just a game of chance. In Lake County, Florida, candidates from the city of Mount Dora were forced to pull a name out of a hat. In Duval County, the candidates drew from a bag of balls and the highest number won the seat. What?! Let that settle in for a moment; an election was settled not by a public voice, not by a majority — just by pure luck.
In 2016, millennials will make up a whopping 36 percent of total eligible voters, so make sure you get registered to vote. The registration deadline for this election cycle is Friday, October 9, so make sure you head to the Center for Civic Engagement in the University Union to get registered. I believe many more young Americans are ready for their voices to be heard in the political system. I cannot wait to hear it.
– Conrad Taylor is a sophomore majoring in political science