During this election year, opinions and values are being voiced back and forth from different perspectives. Many social media platforms have been used for politics, encouraging people to vote and to use the privilege given to do so.
What Happens when you can’t vote?
Because most adolescents are under the voting age, one would think there isn’t much teens can do in politics but being politically active is not encompassed solely around voting. One of the ways in which younger adults can inform and educate themselves is through doing research and seeing what political views align with their values. Many students at Steinbrenner High School believe it is very important to be politically educated.
- Be politically educated
It is important to educate oneself by researching topics of interest. When it comes to issues such as immigration and abortion, people need evidence and data to support their beliefs.
“I think it’s important to start political conversations with people who can vote or will soon be able to in order to help educate yourself,” said senior Leah Mixon.
2. Use your privilege
If voting isn’t an option because of age, there is the privilege in knowing you will be able to in the next few years, so take advantage of it. In other countries, this is impossible for some people. Teens are the future of the country!
3. Petitioning, organizing and raising awareness
Many people believe that signing petitions is not an effective way of making a difference, but every signature counts. Thanks to modern technology, signing petitions in support of organizations that align with one’s political views with one click has never been easier. Not only is it quick to “sign” a petition, it’s also very easy to share posts to social media platforms to raise awareness. The goal is to simply share political views and educate people.
4. Get involved with organizations
Teens should get involved with credible organizations that believe in and support their views. For example, if someone supports gun laws, do some research and find local organizations they can work with to educate themself even more. This is the perfect way for someone to experience their views in the real world through a first-hand experience.
5. “Canvassing”
Another thing that helps to educate is going to political rallies and witnessing debates. These events often provide different perspectives. Having different perspectives allows a person to know the other side of an argument and to understand other’s beliefs. This is also essential.
6. Remember and advocate for cause
Passion and dislike for different points of view should be voiced. With all the chaos going on during a pandemic and this year’s election, there is a lot of misinformation. Future voters need to be informed and properly educated. The country needs more informed activists to make it a better place. Teens are the future of our country, so they need to start acting like their lives depend on it.
Staff Writer // Andrea Cardozo
