OUR VIEW: The future of the country is up to us
Tomorrow, voters in Utah have a unique opportunity.
For the first time, we could make a significant difference in the race for presidential nominations. With close races and the tightly packed election schedule, every state matters.
Joining more than 20 states in tomorrow’s elections, Utah is holding a presidential primary. Historically, around 10 percent of registered voters in the area participate in elections. That is appalling. The race for the oval office is wide open. This presidential election, there is no incumbent. For the first time in years, there is no vice president chasing his predecessor’s office. This election could take the country in any number of directions and young people should have some say in that. It is up to us.
Now is the time for progress and it shouldn’t be made without our input. It is our future. Let’s have more control over it. The days of out-of-touch politicians making decisions on our behalf needs to be over. And if you don’t like what we’ve always gotten, change it.
We may often feel politicians ignore us. Our needs are overlooked. Our hopes disregarded. But why would presidential candidates want to waste their time and money courting a generation that appears to not care? Too many people think we are ignorant, stupid and selfish. Well, why would they want to waste their time courting people that won’t vote?
By not using your right to vote, you lose your right to complain.
As young people, we have the wonderful opportunity and profound challenge of taking on the future. We are inheriting an uncertain one and we cannot be unprepared. We cannot say we didn’t try. The election will not end to all of our likings but how would you feel if you didn’t try? By voting tomorrow, we can at least say we tried.
Some of today’s candidates are actively courting our participation, directing their message to us because they understand the power we have. They don’t believe us to be the self-absorbed generation so many other believe us to be. We deserve more but we have to prove ourselves. They are trusting our generation to make a difference for once. There is power in numbers. Let’s show them we care. Let’s show them we can. Already in this primary season, our generation has shown itself in record numbers. We must carry our weight.
We have a huge decision to make tomorrow. Candidates from both sides of the aisle could take our future in very different directions. Make sure it’s the way you want it to go.
No matter who gets your vote, just make sure you do it.