YOUTH VOICES
Hey Gen Z... ...continued from page 15
not federal so that’s just one example of state policy mattering.” Registering to vote is simple. Visit Vote.gov to register to vote in federal, state, and local elections. If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad, or a student attending school out-of-state from your home state, see how you can register and vote absentee. Make sure to check the regis - tration deadlines and polling locations. Resources for Getting Involved Voting is a straightforward process, and there are plenty of re- sources available to guide you through it. From voter registration and education to advocacy and grassroots or- ganizing, below are several ways to get started. So, let’s do what we do best: show up, speak out, and vote! The power is in our hands. 1. Vote.org — Provides tools to check voter registration, request absentee ballots, find polling locations, and more. How to Use: Eas- ily register to vote, find out important dates, and learn how to vote by mail or in person. 2. Rock the Vote (www.rockthevote.org/) — A non-profit orga - nization that focuses on building the political power of young people. How to Use: Access voter registration tools, election reminders, and learn about issues that matter to young voters. 3. Campus Vote Project (www.campusvoteproject.org/) — Works to reduce barriers to student voting and increase civic engage- ment on college campuses. How to Use: Find resources tailored to students, including information on registering to vote at school, un- derstanding voter ID laws, and participating in local elections. 4. Our Time (http://ourtime.org/) — A non-profit organization that focuses on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process. How to Use: Engage with campaigns that focus on youth issues, participate in voter registration efforts, and access tools for making your voice heard. 5. Alliance for Youth Action (www.allianceforyouthaction. org/) — A nationwide network of local organizations building political power among young people. How to Use: Get involved in grassroots organizing, participate in local and national campaigns, and connect with other young activists. 6. NextGen America (https://nextgenamerica.org/) — A pro -
president does to the economy, the job market, our climate, social jus- tice as a whole, is what we’re going to inherit. I think that’s why Gen Z are so fired up: we know this election is critical in determining our futures.” The Path Forward: Make Your Voice Heard The 2024 election is a pivotal moment for our generation and our country. It’s an opportunity to continue the momentum we’ve built and to ensure our voices are heard. We’ve already shown we’re a force to be reckoned with, but we can’t afford to be complacent. Democracy thrives when everyone participates, and every vote counts. Our future is on the line, and it’s up to us to shape it. I know some of you might be thinking, “Voting is too complicated,” or “My vote doesn’t make a difference.” Trust me, I’ve been there, too. Many of us feel that the voting process is complicated or that our votes don’t matter. But the truth is, voting is easier than ever. You can regis - ter online, request a mail-in ballot, or vote early in person. Every vote counts, especially in tight races where just a few votes can determine the outcome. Remember, it was the youth vote that played a crucial role in past elections, and it can make a difference again. Olmsted underscores the importance of voting, regardless of where you live: “I want people to know that they should vote and make their voice heard even if they’re in a state that reliably leans one way be - cause you never know when one state could become a swing state.” He goes on to highlight the significance of paying attention to the entire ballot: “I also want to stress the importance of state and local elections. In Maryland, the 5 million trees initiative is a state policy,
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72—PATHWAYS—Fall 24
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