Our world’s future depends on nine boxes, depicted with names and the country’s trajectory course depends on the pencil mark scribbled. This is the reality every four years when it becomes time again for a presidential election. During the fall of 2024, the seniors of Blair High School and each high school in the country come of age, rendering them adults in the eyes of others. The right to serve on a jury, marry, and enlist becomes an option and opportunity. This list also includes one of the most essential rights and responsibilities of adults in America—the right to vote.
The importance of voting lies in its history. America was built on the ideals of democracy, emphasizing the power of the people. Voting allows an individual to have their voice heard by the government and have their opinions weighed. Arguably, the most critical individuals to hear are the youth, the future of America.
After the 2016 election, 39% of individuals aged 18 to 29 voted. This percentage increased by 11 points during the next election, and half of the youth voted. While the national statistics look promising, Nebraska needs help with youth engagement in politics. Voter turnout in Nebraska dropped 5.3% from 2018 to 2022. An anonymous donor in Nebraska has contacted the organization, She’s Electable Nebraska, to solve this issue.
She’s Electable Nebraska is an organization whose goal is to put women in positions of power. Its platform is based on the ideals of promoting women in political spaces to close the gender gap and to do this through advocacy and education. Knowing the work this organization puts in, the donor contacted with hopes of creating a cohort out of youth to engage them in politics.
NEw Voices, the youth cohort of She’s Electable, is open to youth ages 14-25 who want to be educated in politics. The group is planning an event in early October designed to have youth engage with others, talk about issues they see and learn about local policies.
With groups being made to increase youth interest in the world of politics, new voters are able to be more educated, increasing their inclination to vote. Through an event held before the November election, NEw Voices aims to teach about registering to vote and the process. The hope is that when the election rolls around, there will again be an increase in youth voters. The future is in the hands of the youth, but will they be willing to take it?
