By Julia Diaz (she/her), 17, Staff Writer
October 17, 2024
Other elections will also take place, such as for your school board or other local and state representatives. Other elections will also take place, like for your school board or other local and state representatives.
Winners of elections have the power to create policies that affect your life, no matter the level they occur on!
In the U.S., it’s “we, the people” who are responsible for electing representatives to support our interests. Voting is one way to ensure that our interests are being represented. Through voting, you make your voice heard!
Not Just Voting for President
Presidential elections occur every four years, but there are elections
every year for different levels of government–local, state and national. The policies of governors, congressmen, mayors, councilors and other public officials can affect everything from the books that are banned in schools and libraries, to whether or not your local park is open. By voting in every election, for different positions, you can make sure that your voice is heard across these diverse areas.Issues on the Ballot
Elections, especially presidential ones, often feel very distant and big. You may not realize that the results of elections can directly affect your life. It’s important that you know which issues are important to your life and that you support candidates who share those beliefs. As teens, we need to have access to reproductive health care and contraception, as well as comprehensive, medically accurate sex education. These issues are on the ballot. It’s therefore important to participate in all elections and not just the presidential ones. First, you need to educate yourself. After you’ve clarified your position on issues, you should get involved. You can make your voice heard by writing letters to your elected representatives. (Check out who they are here and here). You can attend meetings of your city council, follow politicians via social media, become a volunteer, register others to vote, and raise money for causes that are important to you. You can register to vote in some states when you receive your driver’s licence. Check your state laws to determine if you can register before turning 18. Your vote is your voice. Because all elections have the potential to impact your life, you should use your voice.
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