The Vote
Details
Youth voter turnout rates have been disturbingly low according to recent
polls. Voting trends from the past twenty years indicates a steady decline in youth
participation. Young adults ages 18-24 have a significantly lower percentage of voter turnout
in the total eligible population. 1992 and 1996 voter turnout rates for all ages were some of
the lowest turnout rates since 1924 and 1824. 55% of all voters cast a ballot in 1992, which
fell to 49% in 1996. The youth participation dropped noticeably lower than all other age groups
from 1992 to 1996. 18-24 year olds dropped from 37% to 29%. [
See Graph]
The 1996 Presidential Election is a significant indication of the lack of confidence in the democratic system. Many youths today tend to ignore relevant political action and remain unconcerned with pressing social problems. It appears to be difficult for youths to identify with the radical generation that proceeded them. The incomprehensible events that tore apart the nation in the form of Civil Rights, anti-war protests and Second Wave Feminism, are out of touch with today’s youths. The social revolutions that engulfed the United States from 1950-1975 achieved dramatic results through greater individual participation.
The right to vote is thought to be the most basic and yet, most important rights of a citizen in a democratic nation. Active participation in the local, state, and federal governments is the first step toward affecting change. However, one must be aware and educated about the issues that effect us. Protecting the democratic ideals of the United States can be accomplished by individual participation by registering, voting, and speaking out. The means to make change is to cast a vote.
Copyright Molly Egan, Jason Wood; Lehigh University 1999