As college students, we are the future doctors, lawyers, politicians and leaders across a variety of fields. It is easy to dismiss politics and not give it a second thought if it is irrelevant to your major. However, as the new generation, it is our civic duty to participate and engage in elections by using our right to vote.
Your one vote may seem miniscule in the grand scheme of things, but that could not be farther from the truth. Many elections, such as the upcoming presidential election, can be a close race, coming down to the last couple of votes determining the outcome. Your vote could be the deciding factor. Issues such as abortion rights, foreign policy, immigration, climate change and economic policies impact us directly. It is your right to have a say and vote for someone who aligns with your beliefs. These policies shape not only our present but the future we will live in, which involves matters such as student loans, accessible healthcare, scholarship opportunities and more!
Registering to vote is the first step to ensuring your voice is heard and you have a role in choosing your leaders. For many students, this process can seem intimidating or overwhelming, but it is a critical step in the voting process and is relatively simple. If you happen to pass by someone asking you, “Are you registered to vote?”, and you are not, consider stopping for a couple of minutes to register. Pennsylvania offers voter registration online, by mail, and in-person, so there are a variety of options. The deadline to register, October 21, is rapidly approaching, so make sure to register before then!
After you register, I strongly advise all students to seek their political knowledge from reputable sources and not to solely rely on social media platforms, which are prone to misinformation, for their education. It is crucial to be informed and up-to-date on news and policies when deciding who to vote for. A couple of the go-to news organizations I consistently check are Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. I recommend exploring your options, browsing other websites and choosing the media outlet that works best for you.
Although not every aspect of politics sounds enticing or important, there are many issues, such as human rights, that need to be addressed. The decisions made by politicians today are influenced by what you advocate for by registering to vote.
The question is not why you should register to vote. Why would you not? Having the ability to vote on issues that directly impact us is a privilege that others around the world do not have, and if you have the opportunity to make your voice heard, take it.
Make sure to register so you can vote on election day, November 5, 2024.
Information on registering to vote in Pennsylvania: