My First Vote: The Power of Youth in the Political Landscape

By Nijah Whiten

I remember the excitement of casting my first vote in the 2020 election. At 19, I was finally old enough to participate in a presidential race, and the stakes felt incredibly high. With President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on the ballot, it was clear that this election would shape the direction of the country for years to come. The process of voting felt straightforward - filling in a few bubbles and submitting the ballot - but there was a profound sense of responsibility that came with it. This was my chance to make my voice heard and contribute to the future I wanted for my community.

As a first-time voter, I was struck by how much power lies in a single vote. It wasn't just about choosing a president; I was voting for policies that would impact healthcare, education, racial justice, and climate change - issues that directly affect young people like me. While my one vote wasn't going to change everything, it was part of a collective force that could push the nation toward progress. The 2020 election showed me that when young people mobilize, we can make a real impact.

With the 2024 election approaching, I'm even more excited about the power of youth in shaping our political landscape. This election feels just as important as the last, if not more. Young voters have the chance to build on the momentum from 2020 and push for continued change. What excites me most about seeing first-time voters participate in the upcoming election is the fresh energy they bring. Every election matters and youth engagement is essential to strengthening our democracy.

As a first-time voter, I was struck by how much power lies in a single vote.

Young people should vote not just because it's our right, but because the policies being debated today will shape the world we live in tomorrow. As young voters, we have the chance to influence decisions on issues like climate change, student debt, and police reform - issues that will affect our futures. The consequences of staying silent can be severe. If we don't show up, we leave those decisions to be made by others who may not understand our struggles or share our priorities.

Every election matters, and youth engagement is essential to strengthening our democracy.

One of the most important lessons I've learned since my first election is the power of local and state elections. Many young voters think that presidential elections are the only ones that matter, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Local elections often have a more direct impact on our everyday lives, from decisions about public education to housing policies and criminal justice reform. By voting in every election, young people can help shape their communities and ensure that local leaders are held accountable.

The issues that matter most to young voters in this election reflect the urgency of the moment:

• Climate change continues to top the list, as younger generations face the brunt of its consequences.
• Affordable healthcare and mental health resources are also critical, especially as the pandemic highlighted disparities in healthcare access.
• Student debt remains a pressing issue, with many young people struggling to get a financial foothold due to overwhelming loan burdens.
• And of course, racial justice and police reform are still at the forefront of our minds, especially in communities of color.

But it's not enough to just understand the issues - young voters need to be engaged and motivated to take action. One of the best ways to engage young people is through education and outreach on platforms they already use. Social media, for example, is a powerful tool for spreading information quickly and effectively. By breaking down complex issues into digestible content and making voting feel accessible, we can reach more young people where they are. I've also found that peer-to-peer conversations are incredibly effective. When someone hears about the importance of voting from a friend or classmate, it becomes more personal and impactful.

Another important strategy is making the voting process easier. Expanding access to early voting and vote-by-mail options, and providing clear information about polling locations can help remove the barriers that often prevent young people from voting. Many first-time voters are unsure about how to vote, and offering guidance and resources is key to boosting turnout.

Ultimately, voting is about making our voices heard and ensuring that our needs are reflected in the decisions made by those in power. The youth vote can be a transformative force, but only if we show up. My first experience voting was a powerful reminder of that responsibility. Now, as I look toward future elections, I feel even more determined to encourage other young people to step into their role as voters. We have the power to shape the future, and it starts with showing up at the ballot box.

Nijah Whiten is a Democracy Fellow in Arizona, working with the NAACP to mobilize Black voters.