The 2024 Presidential Election is coming, and it matters.
It is an act of ignorance to not use the right to vote, especially during a pivotal presidential election that will change the course of America’s future. It is necessary to cast your vote on Nov 5, and there are no excuses.
In a democracy, the citizens hold the power to make decisions. So, it’s on each and every individual to stay informed and to make their voice heard — especially young people.
The youth vote is powerful. It shows people are paying attention to the people in power, and that’s how positive changes are made. According to CIRCLE data, Michigan had a 37% increase in youth voters in the 2022 midterm election, which was the largest increase in the country.
To keep the trend going, everyone needs to use their voice and decide. It might feel like the election doesn’t matter at an individual level, and the time and effort it takes to vote just isn’t worth it. Why bother if you’ve never voted before and you’ve survived, right? Rest assured, the outcome of this election will have its impacts because of each candidates’ policies and future Supreme Court decisions.
The election should feel personal to everyone on SVSU’s campus because young people will be affected by the outcome of this race. According to the Washington Post, Harris stands for student debt cancellation while Trump opposes it. This is one small example of a policy that will impact the youth no matter their race, sexual orientation or gender.
Both candidates also have different plans for approaching the housing crisis. According to TIME, Harris will help first time home buyers by providing $25,000 in down-payment assistance. Trump plans to bring mortgage rates down and make housing more affordable by tackling inflation. Whoever makes it into office might just be the make-or-break difference in whether less-privileged people will be able to own a home in their lifetime.
Not only will young people be affected, but there will be consequences felt around the world by America’s decision because of climate change. Harris believes clean air is a “fundamental freedom,” as stated in the Democratic National Convention. According to a New York Times analysis “based on research from Harvard Law School, Columbia Law School and other sources… nearly 100 environmental rules officially reversed, revoked or otherwise under Mr. Trump.”
Keep in mind this election not only decides who is America’s president, but it also decides who sits on the Supreme Court for life. Trump was able to appoint three judges during his presidential term, creating a conservative majority. This has led to many rights being overturned, most notably Roe v. Wade, which protected the right of women to have an abortion.
It may feel like neither candidate deserves your vote. The two-party system can be frustrating, but abstaining only amplifies the voices of those who do vote. Don’t let others vote for you. Each candidate represents the direction you want the country to move in, so let the country know where you stand.
Not to mention, Michigan is a swing state, so voter turnout really matters. Although, every vote carries weight regardless of whether it’s a swing state or a safe state. The popular vote may not dictate who becomes president now, but it might in the future if there continues to be an undeniable difference between the
popular and electoral vote.
Visit Vote.gov to register to vote. College life is busy, but the registration process only takes a few minutes. The deadline to register online is Oct 21. On the same site, find your polling location for Nov. 5, and if you can’t make it, the absentee ballots become available within 40 days of an election in Michigan. There are very few barriers to be a registered voter.
Real changes will be made when people care to show up.
