Samira Tahsoon
The Upcoming U.S. presidential elections in 2024 are a moment of worry and anticipation for who will be the president of the country for four years. The youth should care, especially those graduating high school this year, because their future is going to be directly impacted throughout their college years. This will affect student loans, housing, and the political climate of the U.S. Vote now. “The 15th Amendment (1870) extended voting rights to men of all races. The 19th Amendment (1920) prohibited the states from denying the vote on the basis of sex. The 24th Amendment (1964) sought to remove barriers to voting by prohibiting a poll tax. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 secured voting rights for adult citizens of all races and genders in the form of federal laws that enforced the amendments.” (National Archives) To qualify for voter registration in New York State, you must: be a United States Citizen; be 18 years old (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18); be a resident of this state and the county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election; not be in prison for a felony conviction; learn more about felon registration rights not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; not claim the right to vote elsewhere (elections.ny.gov) According to Teen Vogue a recent Harvard youth poll showed a strong support among women, a positive sign for Democrats. Young voters care about climate change, healthcare, student debt, mental health resources, racial justice, and political reform. (naacp.org) They want action to be taken in regard to these issues and are looking to make a better future for themselves. Youth voters have been at the highest in recent years. The generation’s turnout has increased, now is the time to exercise democratic rights and shape the future of the country. (circle.tufts.edu) Digital engagement with political content and having more access to information have encouraged more youth to vote. Gen Z is more likely to be progressive and focus on the environment, the state of the economy, and the education system. Gen Z is the most diverse in terms of race and ethnicity in the history of the US. Gen Z feels skeptical of traditional politics and tactics and prefers candidates that promise big change. A lot of young people are worried about rising political tensions, violence, and misinformation and have many worries in mind. Despite that, we must vote anyway because that is how we ensure our voices are heard. Samira Tahsoon: NYC Youth Activist & Youth Community Organizer of Save The People USA, Member of GNRC USA,
