Turning 18 finally gives you the legal assurance of complete adulthood. You can now technically make all decisions on your own. With these newly extended boundaries many things that were once forbidden are now legal and you are finally of age. Some young adults test these uncharted waters by getting a tattoo, purchasing tobacco products or buying a lottery ticket. Unfortunately, these 18 year olds are forgetting the best right they are granted at this age; to vote.  Surprisingly, Americans within the ages of 18-21 are least likely to register to vote. Why is this a problem? The main reason is that they are not taking the advantage to express their opinion on who will be leading our country into the future. Becoming involved in upcoming elections could help you understand the key points each candidate is representing. It also helps you figure out which candidate represents your same ideals and expectations for our country. After turning 18 myself this past October and the primaries beginning, I realized I became legal just in time for the 2012 elections. At first I was hesitant if I was going to take the time to register and actually go and vote. I have realized that if I do not take advantage of my newly granted rights, what was the point of those icons in history such as Susan B. Anthony, striving so hard to end the voting suffrage? As we progressed through all of our years in school we have learned about the efforts that made voting possible for all. Though we may know how we got these rights, some argue they do not understand what they represent. The subject of government is introduced in schools during 12^th grade right around the time a student would be turning 18. Some feel insecure in their knowledge of their own personal political standing and their lack of familiarity of government fundamentals, giving one the mindset of “Why make an opinion on something I know nothing about?” Regardless, if you are politically advanced or clueless, making the effort to get a basic understanding and being involved is more beneficial to you as a valid member of society. In the past elections there was a point when the Americans within the ages of 18-21 were the most likely to register and vote. Celebrity endorsements helped create a sort of movement in the 2008 election. P. Diddy lead the “Rock the Vote” Campaign with the support of MTV and multiple other celebrities who set out to help remind young adults of their political importance by getting informed and registering. Our generation needs to start an ongoing trend of creating a stronger political power within our country’s young adults. Ways to do so would be letting your friends know where they can register and where you plan on going to vote. Keeping up on the elections progress will show you how exciting it can feel expressing your individuality and being involved in such a monumental event. Talking and sharing political views with family members and close friends in an appropriate setting can also help one becoming more comfortable with the idea of voting. One ballot may not seem like much, but once you cast your vote your voice will be heard.