With the 2024 election just around the corner, many young people are suddenly finding their voices and exploring what it means to be politically engaged. From registering to vote to expressing their views on social media, the youth vote is shaping up to be not just significant, but potentially pivotal.
Indiana is experiencing this renewed energy firsthand. At Shortridge High School, students Sweet Night and Hazel Lapish are leading the charge to encourage their peers to register. Last year, only five students from their school cast ballots, but this year, they’re determined to change those numbers. Their voter registration drive is aimed at students turning 18 by Election Day, which is November 5. They organized events at their school to make registration accessible and stress the importance of participating.
According to statistics, Indiana has struggled with low voter turnout, often ranking near the bottom nationally. Advocates argue if they can get young people to register and vote now, it could instill habits for future elections. Lapish put it plainly, noting, “They think only old people vote. But then we’re building a nation only for old people.” This sentiment resonates with many grassroots efforts to engage more young voters.
Just one of many initiatives across the state, they’re not alone. Their efforts are complemented by broader programs like the 'Kids Election,' where over 7,000 students from 41 different schools are participating. Sponsored by the Indiana Bar Foundation, the program teaches students about the voting process, allowing them to cast mock ballots for real candidates. It’s about more than just mock elections; it’s also aimed at planting the seeds of civic responsibility and awareness.
Chuck Dunlap of the Indiana Bar Foundation stressed the significance of learning about the electoral process at young ages. “If you’re not taught civics and voting at an early age, you don’t carry it with you in adult life,” he explained. This sentiment is especially important as students prepare to engage with the political system.
This exploration of political identities isn't limited to Indiana. Nationally, platforms like The New York Times are hosting forums where teens share the influences behind their political beliefs. Over 1,500 voices from 31 states and 15 different countries are discussing how their identities—from family to community—shape their views. Some teenagers credit their families, saying they've inherited political stances or values from home. It’s fascinating how something as simple as household conversations can lead to broader political awareness.
One student from Illinois pointed out how pervasive politics was growing up, leading to strong Republican views within their family, stating, “Everywhere around me is big on politics.” This highlights the geographical and familial influences on political identity. Another student from Massachusetts reflected on their liberal upbringing and how front-line discussions with parents helped shape their thinking. “My parents’ political opinions have most influenced me,” they remarked. This interaction with family is pivotal, as many teens look to their parents and community for guidance.
Not everyone feels aligned with their family’s beliefs, though. Some students expressed frustration with political disagreements within their households, stating, “I just don’t want politics to cause divides” among family members. These experiences illuminate the complexity of political discourse among generations and highlight the varying degrees of comfort with political expression.
The topic of voter engagement was not lost on the Indiana Key Club leaders. Alongside the mock registrations and social media outreach made by Night and Lapish, local leaders like Linda Hanson from the League of Women Voters believe the problem lies not just with awareness, but with motivation. “Apathy and cynicism can be challenging among high school and college students,” she noted, emphasizing their work to counter this demotivation through community education events.
Social media platforms have also emerged as powerful tools for mobilization. Night and her peers are utilizing these platforms to ease the intimidation factor surrounding voting. “We want to make this easier and more accessible,” she explained. Information sharing through these channels could be why many first-time voters feel more confident heading to the polls.
Hanson implements interactive lessons to engage students and keep them informed. By presenting historical voting rights milestones, she aims to demonstrate the struggles various groups have faced and to encourage engagement with the electoral process. “What we really want to communicate is voter suppression is not just part of history; it’s also part of our present,” she advised. This viewpoint is important, especially as young voters might sometimes feel overshadowed by older generations.
While older generations may view voting as routine, the reality for many first-time voters is radically different, marked by heightened awareness and questions. Young voters created spaces in schools and on social media where civic participation could be discussed freely. Events like the 'Kids Election' serves not only plans to educate students on voting but integrates civics education directly with current events, emphasizing the relevance of voting and accountability.
Some teachers are integrating these principles directly within classrooms. Molly Bowman, who teaches fifth grade, emphasizes the importance of nonpartisanship when discussing electoral processes. She encourages her students to experience voting firsthand by going with their parents to polls, linking educational lessons straight to real-world experiences. “It’s hard to explain a poll, but voting makes it all come to life for them,” she said.
Creating connections between policy changes and their effects on students helps contextualize real-life scenarios within political discussion. Conversations surrounding issues like cell phone restrictions during instruction create relatable discussions around accountability, explaining, “If you like it or didn’t like it, what is your ability to hold someone accountable for it?” This tactic invokes personal responsibility and civic engagement as fundamental values, even for younger students.
With practice and presence, young people are becoming informed and active participants, indicating potential ramifications for outcomes as they head to the polls. Linda Hanson encapsulated the area’s goal aptly: “The aim is to get young people voting and being civically engaged because this is the world they’re going to inhabit.” This progressive approach echoes through most initiatives encouraging youth participation.
While deliberation sometimes leans toward political apathy, it's clear many young people wish to insert their opinions and preferences accordingly. Using diverse methods—from mock ballots to real conversations—they are amplifying their voices. The combination of dedicated organizations, passionate local leaders, and engaged students holds the promise of revitalizing electoral engagement.
With each passing day leading up to November, the emphasis on youth voter education hardens as students across the nation recognize their potential impact on this election. Their raw insights and genuine enthusiasm could be just what’s needed to inject new life—and votes—into the 2024 election.
