Nicole Skaff

I’m just one vote, so why bother? This is what I have grown up thinking my entire life.

One vote can’t make a difference, so why should I even worry with it? Well, years have flown by and that view has slowly been changing. I realize part of the reason our generation doesn’t vote as often is they think the same way. But in reality, our vote is so important. If everyone thought his or her vote didn’t make a difference, nothing would get accomplished. Our say matters.

Fewer college students and younger aged people are voting. This is a major problem because we are the upcoming generation and a lot of political decisions will affect us more than anyone else. Whether it is for future jobs, social security, healthcare, or taxes, most will impinge on us a great deal. This is why our vote matters. If we all changed our view to, “We can make a difference,” we can. I know this sounds cliché, but it’s true. I know for me, I would like involvement in what happens to my future.

Most voters are over 50. This scares me. Yes, with age comes wisdom. But also, with age comes more traditional views. There is nothing wrong with that, but I think in order to get certain things done, something needs to change. So it’s up to our generation and generations to come to make that distinction. Bring our younger and new ideas into politics and help the politicians who are trying to accomplish this for us.

For example, Grand Junction tried for years to build a recreational center here. But every year it was turned down. Why? Because the majority of the voters were retired folks who had no interest in raising taxes for an activity center here, because they would never use it. But then you talk to people my age and they were all mad it didn’t pass. Did most of them vote? No. No wonder it didn’t pass! Few of the younger generation voted. But if a few had decided their vote could have made an impact, who knows, maybe they would have.

You can’t complain if you don’t vote. I hear so many people complaining about politicians and proprosed legislation, but they never voted against them. If you’re that concerned about a law or person, then at least take the effort to fill out a ballet.

Our votes matter! Stop letting the older generation make all the decisions for us. I am tired of watching other people make choices for my future.