As the 2024 Presidential Election rolls around, seniors who are 18 years of age have the opportunity to participate in their first election. Eligible seniors can vote in local and state elections according to their Twenty-Sixth Amendment right. 

“It is incredibly important that young voters vote,” social studies department chair Joseph Juliano said. “The reason being our representatives in government represent the people who are actively voting. Politicians have an incentive to do the things that voters want. If there was all the sudden a surge of young voters in our government it would change our politics, because politicians would care more and do more about issues that young people voted for.” 

Eligible voters are encouraged to participate in elections to ensure their voices are heard. Young voters are less likely to vote because they don’t believe in voting or they don’t have faith in our government.

“The U.S. has one of the lowest voter turnouts out of developed nations and Americans aged 18-29 vote the least of all age demographics,” senior Aleena Khalid said. “For that reason, I feel that it is extremely important for seniors who are eligible to vote to do so, in order for their voices to be heard and actually represented in our government. The policies that our officials make will affect us the most as we have the most life left to live.”

50% of young voters (18-29) voted in the 2020 election. People who don’t vote often can be unknowledgeable of current political affairs which hinders them from voting. Moreover, this generation of voters have a tendency to lean left on their ballots, which is reflected in our government.

“Young voters who don’t vote might lack the confidence in knowing how an election works or who to vote for,” Juliano said. “It can be confusing trying to decide who is who and what do these issues mean. On the other hand, young voters might choose not to vote because they feel like their vote doesn’t really matter. However, the more local the election is, the more their vote does matter.” 

Voting is the opportunity for Americans to contribute to democracy, and elect their officials who govern. The ability to vote is a responsibility for Americans and even running for an elected position at the minimum age of 20, is a way to contribute to democracy. 

“Going into the 2024 election I’m definitely nervous,” senior Aeron Pearson said. “After being in Political Science [and] We The People, I have learned all of the terms and more specifically how our government functions. Which also fears me for how this election will turn out, as well as the next four years. However, I’m still glad that I get to cast my vote and take part for the future of our democracy.” 

The Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) representatives visited political science classes in October to help seniors register to vote and encourage them to vote. Young voters who are eligible to vote can register online at Nevada Secretary of State, by mail, and in-person at the DMV.