Elections When You Can't Vote

by Gillian B. ‘21

People all across the country are emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming presidential election however they can. Voting is a crucial part of American life, as it allows the people to pick who governs them, but many Americans are too young to vote. With a voting age of 18, teenage activists often feel silenced when it comes to picking America’s next leaders. However, teenagers’ inability to vote does not mean they are unable to make their voices heard. There are many other ways those under the legal voting age can still impact the choice that will define politics for the next four years.

First, teenagers can take the phrase “let your voice be heard” literally. By posting campaign flyers or infographics on social media for the candidate of their choice, underage wanna-be voters can spread their opinions to those who can vote, thereby still having an impact. Something a teenager posts on instagram could be seen by an of-age follower, and therefore could impact that follower’s decision on the ballot. 

According to a study by the Center For Information & Research On Civic Learning And Engagement of Tufts University on the 2018 midterm elections, “first-time voters were far less likely to be reached by traditional means (43%, vs. 23% for those who had voted previously), and first-time voters were more likely to encounter election-related information on social media (29%) than from candidates’ campaigns and political parties (23%)” This study was conducted in 2018 for the midterm elections which are traditionally less-attended than presidential elections. If the statistics from the study hold true for the 2020 election, social media could play a significant role in what first-time voters choose to do in November.

If you are uncomfortable with posting your political views online, that does not mean you have to be silent. Talk privately with friends, family, classmates, colleagues, teachers, or anyone else who can vote and let your voice be heard, even if it is not a shout. I have personally engaged in conversations with my parents and grandparents about the election while at home over quarantine. Even though I am too young to vote myself, I still have found a way to share my opinions to those who can. By publicly and/or privately advocating for a certain candidate, teenagers can share information to a wide audience and potentially impact that audience’s decisions.

Additionally, despite being unable to vote, teenagers are able to volunteer for their preferred candidate’s campaign. Even those under the voting age can volunteer to register voters, help garner support, and speak directly to voters, impacting their decisions in November. High school students can typically sign up to volunteer for a campaign through the candidates’ websites, or just find a local campaign office and see what help they may need. By doing this, teenagers can make their voices heard from behind the scenes.

While voting is a key component of a democracy, it is crucial that non-voters still use their voices to make change. The next generation of leaders, advocates, change-makers and citizens is preparing to take its first steps into the adult world, and someone being too young to vote does not mean that person is too young to participate in this inaugural step.