There’s a common misconception that a single voice or vote doesn’t count in the bigger picture. Yet, with legislative votes and elections frequently decided by one person, one point or even one fraction of a percent, it is abundantly clear that every single vote DOES count. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! Your vote is your power to effect change.

In the 2016 US presidential election, only 55% of voting age citizens actually cast a ballot. Baby Boomers continue to be the generation with the highest voter turnout, meaning their political opinions are overrepresented and election results do not accurately reflect the desires of everyone, specifically us: students, Gen Z, millennials and the rising generation. The solution can be quite simple: if more people vote, election results will more closely represent the desires of the overall population, and those of us who have to live with the consequences for decades to come. 

And there’s good news! Over four million students in the US have turned 18 since the 2018 midterm elections, meaning that in the upcoming November 2020 presidential election, four million more votes can be cast that better represent us. A recent study from Tufts University underscores the key role that young voters played in the 2018 midterm elections and our potential to shape the election again in 2020. Another reason to encourage everyone to GOTV (get out the vote)! 

Unfortunately, voter suppression is all too real in our country today. State barriers like voter ID laws and purging of voter rolls make voting inaccessible for too many across the United States, and the federal government is further hindering that constitutional right, when it is supposed to safeguard it.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mail-in voting is necessary to ensure voter safety, but the current administration has repeatedly attacked mail-in voting and questioned its validity. Furthermore, the United States Postal Service, the entity responsible for collecting ballots, has faced billions in funding losses, organizational changes that delay delivery and the removal of many mailboxes nationwide. These and other factors threatening access to the vote and sacred democratic process are part of systemic voter suppression tactics, which disproportionately affect communities of color, further silencing and disenfranchising the most marginalized voices. We need everyone of every background to VOTE and be counted in every election!

In addition to outright voter suppression, major current barriers to voting include:

1) Candidate outreach. Young people, like all demographics, are more likely to vote if contacted directly by a campaign or candidate, yet youth-focused efforts are often lacking.

2) Registration. You cannot vote if you aren’t registered. The process is generally quite simple, yet many young people don’t even know where to begin. In some states, you have to register ahead of time to be eligible at the polls. Be sure to check your registration in advance of the election. For the full picture and wide-ranging resources, visit VoteSaveAmerica.com.

3) Apathy. With countless issues and information overload, it makes sense that young people can feel overwhelmed or not have any idea where to begin. While voting for ‘imperfect’ candidates may not seem like the best way to effect change, it is a critical step toward any goal — big or small, local or global, now or into the future.

Just as your voice matters tremendously in the presidential election, it is powerful in other national and local elections. Every level of government makes decisions that directly affect your everyday life, family and livelihood — from schools to potholes, housing to the pandemic response, jobs to marriage, clean air to free speech, everything.

COVID-19 impacted primary elections this year and will undoubtedly affect the general election, in which people are already voting early or by mail, leading up to Election Day on November 3. Too many voters have been forced to choose between the right to vote and personal safety, as access to vote-by-mail or absentee ballots is far from universal, varying state by state.

We possess political power and must exercise that by voting for the future we want and campaigning on issues that affect our generation and us all! As VotePlus10 says, “We are thrilled to engage and empower young American’s to take simple actions on the issues they care about most, like sustainability, climate change, and social justice. We hope every young American joins us to amplify our voices together!”

If you’re old enough to vote, VOTE. And remember that you can volunteer, campaign and advocate for others to register and vote, even if you are not yet 18!

Each Greener Winner will receive:

• A selection of Dr. Bronner’s products for you! DB is a business committed to socially and environmentally responsible practices using the purest organic and fair trade ingredients without  synthetic preservatives and foaming agents. Products for your body, hair, face, mouth & teeth, to do dishes, laundry, wash pets, and more. (18 in 1 uses).  
• A 2 ply 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton “VOTE” mask from Yes And, an eco-fashion line ethically made from certified organic cotton that does not sacrifice style.

Each Greenest Winner will receive:

• A selection of Dr. Bronner’s products for you! DB is a business committed to socially and environmentally responsible practices using the purest organic and fair trade ingredients without  synthetic preservatives and foaming agents. Products for your body, hair, face, mouth & teeth, to do dishes, laundry, wash pets, and more. (18 in 1 uses).  
• A 100% Certified Organic Cotton “Vote Ecologically” long sleeved shirt from Yes And, an eco-fashion line ethically made from certified organic cotton that does not sacrifice style.