As the 2024 Presidential Election creeps closer and closer, the anticipation and urgency of the election grows. While most of us in high school are not yet old enough to vote, there are still many things we can do to contribute to shaping the future of our country. Less than half of young people in America are expected to vote when we are the ones who will endure the consequences of this election the longest. Whether you’re eligible to vote or not, every high school student has the opportunity to play a role in this historic event.
For students who will be 18 by next week—VOTE! Your vote and your voice matter. If you’re 18, you have the ability to directly influence the outcome of the election just by casting your vote. You need to be registered by now to be eligible to vote on Nov. 5. You can certainly pre-register to vote at the age of 16, and your registration will become active once you turn 18. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 5th, because Election Day is the last day to send in your ballot. Being an informed voter is just as important as voting itself. Research each candidate’s stance on the issues that matter most to you. Whether it’s climate change, healthcare, education, civil rights, or more, make sure your values align with your vote. For students under 18, it’s still a great idea to get involved. You as a high school student can be a key player in helping to drive important conversations around politics. A great way to get involved is to volunteer for a presidential campaign. Campaigns rely mostly on volunteers who help to send text messages, make phone calls, or grow community awareness of candidates, all of which we can all participate in. If you’re not old enough to vote, you can still encourage those who are over 18 to cast their vote. Many political and advocacy organizations such as The Civics Center are focused on increasing youth engagement in elections. Just joining the discussion can be a great way to stay engaged in the political process. This could look like participation in discussions or debates, attending watch parties for the election or debates, or even promoting information through social media.
Whether you’re voting for the first time or helping to engage others in the process, your actions matter. Don’t let being under 18 stop you from having an impact because your voice and participation can help shape the future. This election isn’t just about the candidates on the ballot, it’s also about the power of young people stepping up and leading change.
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