Lorelai Curtis
As we all know, it’s an election year, and we’ve seen celebrities endorsing candidates through social media posts and YouTube ads. This is the first or second time college students are voting in a presidential election, so we must make it count. Some of us are already registered and ready to make our voices heard in this form of democracy. As young Americans, we should vote because many countries lack this right, and we should not squander ours; voting is essential in a democracy, and the young must vote to have our voices heard in a democracy.
The American government, a representative republic, differs from a true democracy. A true democracy has every member of the society come together to vote on every issue presented. We vote for mayors, governors, senators, representatives within the House, and most importantly, a presidential administration. We are fortunate to reside in a nation with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to protect us. Even though we live in the arguably best country, our system still has flaws. People often don’t fact-check the information they are told; we must become truth seekers, leaders, and people who investigate the “why.”
An author said, “Knowledge must be grounded in the incremental work of numerous scholars rather than in dramatic single studies.” Our knowledge and opinions must be rooted in our entire being, not just something superficial.
Many young people in America choose not to vote, often feeling that their votes won’t make a difference or believing they lack sufficient knowledge to make an informed decision. In the United States, the Electoral College functions as a complex mechanism through which electors within each state cast votes for a presidential administration. If a person votes for the Democratic candidate but the state they live in votes Republican, the Electoral College vote for the state goes to the Republican candidate. This winner-takes-all approach, employed by most states, often leads to feelings of detachment, particularly among young voters who may feel that their individual preferences are overshadowed by the dominant political party in their state. Voting, more than a civic duty, is a fundamental right fought for throughout our nation’s history.
Samuel Adams said a person “is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.” By voting, young people can challenge the status quo, demand change and actively participate in the democratic process. Each vote forms a foundation for a brighter future. We, young Americans, must understand our role in shaping the world we will inherit.
Many celebrities, including Taylor Swift, have made Instagram posts stating their support of Kamala Harris. While some may celebrate this endorsement, others express concern about Swift’s political influence. She is not a politician, economist or stateswoman; she is a performer with a reported net worth of $1.1 billion. Her perspective may feel disconnected from the middle class’s everyday struggles. Nevertheless, her immense following could lead many fans to follow her lead, potentially swaying them to support the Harris administration. Today, many people follow the crowd; they refuse to find out why they believe what they believe. One truly forms an opinion by discovering the facts. On the other side of the political theater, the St. Louis rapper Sexy Red has voiced her views on Donald Trump, saying, “I like Trump, yeah they support him in the hood.” Societies have used the mob rule mentality for centuries. Mob rule occurs when a minority group within the collective makes decisions on behalf of the entire group. The most classic picture of mob rule is angry townspeople with pitchforks and torches. It’s essential not to rely on any individual, regardless of their status or influence, to shape our opinions. Even those we admire and look up to should not dictate our beliefs or choices.
It is crucial not to allow anyone else’s opinion to influence the political views of others. I encourage you to research and draw conclusions. After all, what value does an opinion hold if it is not truly yours? We all strive for individuality, so why conform to the thoughts of others? Thinking for yourself is a courageous act; it requires confronting adversity head-on. One of the most effective ways to improve our world and country involves standing firm in our beliefs rather than simply echoing what politicians or influencers say.
