I VOTED!

*This is Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted sticker*

Yes, you read the title correctly! I VOTED in my 1st Presidential Election. To be completely frank with you, it feels great! However, are young people going to make a big turnout in this election? You know that I will always come prepare to back up my claims.

According to the Institute of Politics are at Harvard Kennedy School (IOP), “Approximately half (53%) of young Americans indicate they will "definitely be voting" in the 2024 general election for president” (“47th Edition - Spring 2024 | the Institute of Politics at Harvard University”). This is definitely a high level of engagement among young voters! With over half of young Americans expressing a strong commitment to voting, it points to the potential for significant youth turnout in 2024. While the 53% figure is promising, it's important to note that self-reported intention to vote doesn't always translate directly to actual turnout. However, this level of enthusiasm can be seen as a positive indicator, especially when compared to previous election cycles.

However, they (IOP) found that, “Nearly three in five (58%) young Americans believe that the country is "off on the wrong track," and only 9% say that things in the nation are "generally headed in the right direction." An additional 32% say they are unsure” (“47th Edition - Spring 2024 | the Institute of Politics at Harvard University”). This implies that majority feel young Americans feel that this country needs to be able to move forward into the right direction where they can be able to live decently on the day to day basis while affording the needs to get through.

I want to make this point and say that no matter which way the election goes or who wins, there will be still a lot of work to be done. Whether it’s education, healthcare, criminal justice, climate change, etc., we need to show up. Show up to the polls in EVERY election, show up to the town halls, show up to the protest, and many other things that involve in the civic process.

Let me also remind you that you don’t always have to work everyday. If politics gets overwhelming, give yourself time to rest, recharge, and regroup. Politics can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. Believe me - when I was in high school getting involved in politics, I was burnout. However, now attending LSU, I still get involved in any way I can.

Lastly, I want to make it clear that there is and will be no perfect candidate nor politician. Every politician is human and makes mistakes. The same way we all make mistakes everyday. We learn, we grow, and we do better! By the way, can anyone name at least 3 politicians who have a perfect political career? I don’t think I’ve heard not 1. If you can find at least 3, please send them my way. Besides the point, I fully acknowledge that we must hold our elected officials accountable. From the local office to the White House, every elected official must be held accountable for their actions and not personal attacks.

I truly pray that America can come together after this election and work on multi-partisan issues that can benefit everyone. It sounds unrealistic, and I agree with your points. On the other hand, it’s the only choice to move the country forward. We have the power. We need to use it to the best of our abilities.

Again, I appreciate you for reading this! Please please please if you haven’t voted, I suggest you do so. Make a plan to vote. Lyft is offering 50% off rides to the polls on Election Day, so I would do your own research.

God bless you all and may God bless the future for the world!

Works Cited

“47th Edition - Spring 2024 | the Institute of Politics at Harvard University.” Iop.harvard.edu, 18 Apr. 2024, iop.harvard.edu/youth-poll/47th-edition-spring-2024. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.