The Right To Vote

Whether you consider yourself Democrat, Republican or anything in between, voting is one of the most important things that you can do; but simply voting is not enough.

Forward by FOX News Channel's Sean Hannity

Whether you consider yourself Democrat, Republican or anything in between, voting is one of the most important things that you can do; but simply voting is not enough. With so much going on in the world today, it is imperative that everyone be informed and knowledgeable about what they are voting for. We are on the brink of so many crucial decisions in our society that the more voices heard, the better our decisions can be.

Young people are the future and what happens now and in every election will directly affect that future. This is why our youth need to stay updated, involved and motivated to take action in the political world. Everyone deserves a hand in the future that is being shaped for them, and with such close elections, each and every vote really does count. Our youth need to gather information from reliable sources, from people they trust, and in an environment ready to listen to their thoughts and opinions. This is your country so participate in it, be proud of it, take an active role: vote. The rest of your rights depend on it.

Editor’s Note: American Profile and Fox News Channel asked people across the country for their opinions on the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we inherit as United States citizens. This is the third installment of a four-part series titled Democracy in America.

The right to vote is a right that many Americans—particularly young people—take for granted. Young voters in five towns with presidential names were asked to explain this phenomenon and why they plan to cast ballots in this week’s election.

"Voting is your chance to influence the future of the entire country," says Adam McGee, 18, of Lincoln, Ill. He’s registered and ready for Election Day 2004.

McGee and other members of the Class of 2004—from Lincoln Community High School in Lincoln, Ill. (pop. 15,369); Madison Consolidated High School in Madison, Ind. (pop. 12,004); Monroe Area Comprehensive High School in Monroe, Ga. (pop. 11,407); Washington High School in Washington, Mo. (pop. 13,243); and Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Okla. (pop. 3,282)—are looking forward to this rite of passage and assuming the responsibility of being a U.S. citizen.

"I’ve been waiting long enough," declares Joseph Martin of Monroe, Ga. "I’m 18 and a lot of things will affect me now—the economy, the war. It’s important to get involved."

Since the national voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1971, the voting record among 18- to 24-year-olds has been less than stellar. In the 2000 election, only 36 percent voted, compared with 59 percent of all voters.

But, say these first-time voters, young people today have been affected by events of the past four years, including the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and the war in Iraq, and are becoming more politically active. Several Internet-based nonpartisan groups are mobilizing young voters, such as MTV’s Choose or Lose (www.mtv.com/chooseorlose); New Voters Project (www.newvotersproject.org) and Freedom’s Answer (www.freedomsanswer.net).

"If you don’t get involved now, then why complain about the president and what’s going on with our country?" asks Maggie Jones, 18, of Washington, Mo. Last fall, the class president and fellow student council member Randy Downs, 18, registered more than 100 students and adults during football games and outside the school lunchroom.

"Absolutely, it does matter to vote," Downs says, "and school is a good place to inform students." He reads newspapers and listens to National Public Radio to stay informed about candidates and issues.

Jones and Downs both note that their high school promotes good citizenship and political involvement by excusing students on election days to leave school to go to the polls.

Danielle Bruce, 18, of Madison, Ind., agrees that school is the ideal place for "voter 101" education. Her government teacher, Ben Newell, passed out voter-registration forms and encourages students to tune into the issues and candidates.

"Otherwise kids don’t really know where to register or they’re not informed," says Bruce, who was born in Canada, moved to the United States in 1990, and is looking forward to voting in her new homeland.

Kindra Howerton, 19, of Cleveland, Okla., registered to vote at the Tulsa State Fair and echoes the idea that teens are unsure about the registration and voting process.

"I didn’t know how to register until they stopped me at the fair and had me fill out the form," she says. "People our age right now are going to be the future. It’s up to us to select the right leaders."

Fear, apathy and laziness

Voter education at school helped ease her jitters, says Kristina Ohse, 18, of Washington, Mo., who cast her first ballot last April in a local school-bond election.

Still, the students interviewed admitted that many young people are nervous about voting for the first time, ambivalent because they don’t think their vote will count, or are too busy to get informed about the candidates and issues.

"Truthfully, a lot of apathy has to do with people not taking the time—and with laziness. People don’t want to educate themselves," says Ashlea Hutchins, 18, of Monroe, Ga. She says her parents are active voters and encourage her to get politically involved. She is still undecided on a candidate, but "some issues that concern me are funding for college, and pretty soon I’ll be paying taxes."

Fellow classmate Lee Garcia, 18, agrees: "I try to research, and we talk about politics a lot in my house, and I like to have a voice in what’s happening," he says. "A lot of young people, though, don’t want to take the time to learn."

It’s sometimes not just a matter of "wanting" to take time, but "finding" the time, according to Emily Rigg, 18, of Washington, Mo.

"We juggle school and work, and it takes a whole lot of time to study up about the candidates, but obviously, if you don’t vote, you don’t get your voice heard."

Making a difference

One vote can make a difference, says Thad Money, 18, of Monroe, Ga., who has collected pledges to vote from 60 people and helped rally Georgia students as part of his work with Freedom’s Answer. He also volunteered as an election worker during the primary.

"You look back in history and you can see the power of one vote," Money says. "George Bush was elected in Florida by 537 votes. Andrew Johnson missed being impeached by one vote."

While young people complain that politicians don’t pay attention to them, those who don’t vote are partially responsible for the dilemma. "Politicians don’t listen to young voters because we don’t vote, and we don’t vote because politicians don’t listen to us," Money says.

Most students interviewed believe that only people who vote have the right to find fault with elected officials and policy.

"Why try to voice your opinion after the fact?" asks Dustin Ferguson, 18, of Monroe, Ga., who enlisted in the Army during his senior year and was placed on delayed-entry status until graduation. "If people don’t vote, they don’t have a right to say what’s right and what’s wrong."

Patriotism and confidence in democracy and America’s voting system run high among these young voters, says Karen Dawson, who has taught a leadership class for 12 years at Washington (Mo.) High School. She’s amazed at the keen interest and political activism of her students.

"The 9/11 generation’s answer is to get involved," Dawson says. "They were so young and wondered what they could do. With voting, these teenagers have a say-so."

Says Kerrie Woodfill, 18, of Madison, Ind., "One vote can change the outcome of who becomes president and what gets done in the United States."

And Woodfill and the other teenagers interviewed can’t wait to cast that one vote.

Marti Attoun is a frequent contributor to American Profile.

Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos

Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.

 Start Uploading Now!

 

Discuss this Article