Every Vote Counts!
By Jade Henry,
FWIS Youth Writer
On July 1, 1971, Amendment Twenty-six to the Constitution was ratified. Prior to this date, the age to vote was twenty-one years young. The voting age for all Americans was decreased to eighteen years young. It has been said that eighteen is the perfect age to vote because it defines the legal age of adulthood. With the upcoming presidential election, I am nine months shy of eighteen, so I am ineligible to vote. This election year seems to be of critical importance with the following at stake: Crime, Equality, Immigration, Abortion, Healthcare, Women’s Rights, The Economy, and Gun Laws. Just to name a few.
The diversity of young voters in terms of ethnicity, gender, class, and other identities enables them to address a broad range of concerns that are typical of the generation. Encouraging young people to cast a ballot on November 5th proves that we have a choice in our democracy. If we know our history and what our ancestors sacrificed to have the same rights as White Americans, we should ALL want to vote.
On Tuesday October the 1st I listening ed to a Teen Talk Webinar and heard from the youngest mayor elected in the United States, Jaylen Smith. Mayor Smith was elected at age eighteen in Earle, Arkansas. He encouraged young people to not complain about your circumstance but, do something to make a difference to change it. White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, also graced me with her knowledge and encouraging words. She made history as the first Black, first female, and openly queer person to hold this position. She re-iterated that we cannot listen to the “noise” and continue moving forward to be great! There will always be haters, but it is up to me to make the difference!
Voting is more than choosing who wins or loses. It is an inalienable right that our ancestors fought for. When we vote, our vote counts and our voices are heard. I am excited about all the things I can look forward to at eighteen and voting is one of them! I find it disrespectful to the people who came before us and fought for us to have equal rights when other people of color or even women say that they do not want to vote. When you hear of someone who does not want to vote, remember our ancestors who fought for people to have the right to vote! Always remember that your vote counts!