By now the 2024 Presidential election has concluded and the race has been called. While it would be easy to let emotions take over – panic, fear, anger or excitement – now it is more important than ever to focus those feelings into action.
United States citizens under the age of 18, including the majority of Oak Park High School students, are not legally eligible to vote. Because of this, many teens have taken a step back from the current election, choosing not to learn about issues they don’t have a say in.
“If I could vote I would definitely learn more in-depth and in detail about the policies,” senior Natalia Galstian said. “I’m not legal to vote yet so I wasn’t really able to make an impact.”
But this is anything but true: younger generations can have a truly important and impactful influence on current issues. Almost every high school student and even some middle school students will be eligible to vote in the next election, and it is key that these soon-to-be voters become aware about what is happening in their country. But even without the ability to vote right now, teens still have the power to make a difference through the power of education.
Those who understand what is happening locally and globally can better navigate their environment. Politics is deeply ingrained into daily life in the US, and the changes made on large-scale issues impact everything and everyone, from prices to healthcare access.
“I’m pretty well informed because my brother works in politics and in Washington DC,” junior Chase Lippell said. “I’m also in youth and government and it tells a lot about the election and politics in general.”
Once citizens are aware of their rights, they can form their own opinions on any issue and decide what they want to revise. Having all of the information opens up doors to do something about unsatisfactory policies and fight for change. They can also search for candidates and elected officials who represent their interests.
“As long as you actively care about politics, your life is in your hands,” UNICEF blogger Neleria wrote.
- Encourage other voters
In the last election, there were approximately 77 million eligible voters who did not cast their vote. While the 2024 voting window has officially closed, it is still important to support those who did vote and encourage those who did not to do so in the future.
- Spread (fact-checked) information
Educating yourself is the first step towards progress, and once you understand the facts, it is important to share this information with your friends and family. Many eligible and soon-to-be eligible voters are unaware of the actual policies of their elected government officials and candidates.
“I know some stuff, not too much because I can’t vote so I don’t look into stuff… mostly I know what my parents want and that has an effect on what I think,” sophomore Sofia Newman said.
According to an Instagram poll our publication pushed out election day, only 37% of respondents were completely aware of the presidential candidates’ policies. This is partially due to confirmation bias when seeking out news and in some instances due to a lack of access or interest.
“Information inequality’ among American voters deprioritizes younger, lower-income minorities. Targeted messaging may help bridge the gap,” MIT author Kara Baskin wrote.
For reliable information on current issues, it’s best to read a variety of different sources on the same subject to ensure you spread only the corroborated information. Starting the discussion on political issues is often the most challenging, but it is important to sit in this struggle and have those difficult conversations.
- Get involved in the campaigns
It is never too late to get involved and lend a helping hand. Many states, including California, allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work the election polls. Those who did not get the chance to work the polls for the presidential election will have opportunities in the future to participate in other elections. Teens can also write letters to their congressional representatives to express specific concerns.
The ACE Project wrote, “It is essential that young people are engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s politics.”
Knowledge is power, and regardless of the election results, teens must not forget the impact their voice has on the world. Their insight is needed, now more than ever before.
