On Friday, Oct. 24, the Indiana Daily Student printed a story about predicted voter turnout in this year’s ?midterm elections.
The headline for this story was “Voter Turnout expected to remain low for midterms.” While it is true that midterm elections have historically had lower voter turnout, and that the 18-24 age group has the lowest, this article failed to ?discuss what is at stake in this ?election for that very group.
Those between the ages of 18 and 24 have distinct and important interests that will impact their well-being throughout their lives.
For example, while all age groups have the ability to understand that student loans and climate change are major issues, those between the ages of 18 and 24 will be dealing with these problems much longer than other older voting blocks.
Students have a unique ability to effect change.
We are seeing that right now in Hong Kong, where students are tirelessly leading a pro-democracy movement that has gone on for weeks.
Young people have a new, fresh and modern outlook on the world.
Our perspective is ?valuable, even necessary, as it will one day be the reigning perspective.
As students, we lead very fast, busy lives in which we are being pulled in too many directions to count.
But I hope that you will consider the impact you can make and take a few minutes this next week to vote.
Emma Wesslund
ewesslu@indiana.edu
