In a year that seems to constantly be getting worse, we finally have a vague sense of control over the events to come in the upcoming November election.

The last 4 years have been defined by the incompetence, arrogance, and plain negligence of the Trump administration. From Trump’s retracting the U.S.’s participation in the Paris Climate Accords, his lack of leadership in the current pandemic, and his condoning of putting detained children in cages, the political climate has only polarized further.

Everyone is quick to complain about the state of things today, but there is a way we can actually try to stop all these horrors from happening: voting.

This solution seems so simple and is so crucial to have a functioning democracy. Voting has a tremendous impact on our society’s future and will fundamentally change the world as we know it.

The voter turnout of the youngest demographics has always been historically low. According to Forbes, the gap between youth voter turnout is only around 23%, the lowest out of any voting population. Since the policies made today will impact our generation throughout our lives, it’s incredibly important that students of this age exercise their right to vote.

The 2020 election is arguably 1 of the most important in our lifetimes, as our nation is at a turning point. Either the backward bigotry of the current administration will prevail, or we will soon see the much-needed changes that are proposed by the Biden-Harris administration.

According to Politico, Biden offers comprehensive solutions to end climate change, an expansion of the Affordable Care Act, a $15 an hour living wage, and criminal justice reform like an end to cash bail. All of these policy proposals will disproportionately help young Americans lead better and more sustainable lives.

And young voters have the power to swing the election. This generation is more progressive than ever, as we’ve continuously fought for racial justice through protests and petitions and even utilized social media to buy tickets to Trump rallies we had no intention of attending.

But, it’s easy to start thinking, “I’m just 1 person. How can I make any change?”

Young voters showed their power to effect change in the 2018 midterm elections. According to National Geographic, the Democratic Party was able to win back control of the House of Representatives with the massive increase of turnout of 18 to 24-year-olds this election.

To every Campolindo student who will be 18 by the election, I implore you to register to vote and fill out a ballot.

While I realize most high school students do not meet the age requirement to vote in the 2020 election, it’s imperative that we stay aware of what is going on in the political world. We are going to pay attention to this election and learn from it: either the power of our vote will be confirmed, or we will be all the more inclined to participate in the upcoming elections.
Our voice matters, and we have a right to make changes as much as anyone. From registering friends and family to having a thoughtful political conversation with undecided voters to becoming a poll worker, there is an abundance of small things Campo students can do to get involved.

This year, young people have the numbers, potential, and the motivation to redefine our country’s political landscape completely.

We cannot waste this opportunity: register to vote, cast a ballot, watch the debate. Do everything you can to be an educator citizen, whether you are of age for this election or not.