The United States prides itself on being a nation of the people. Since the start, the Founding Fathers built the foundation of America based on democratic values and equality for all, even if it meant minor disagreements throughout the nation’s history. However, as time pressed on, what the United States once valued most, is slowly fading away. Although the legal voting age is 18, the recent statistics show that less and less people are going to the polls, especially those who are part of the younger demographic. The youth of America needs to discontinue this trend immediately, before the government that was once the voice of the people is silenced completely.

The youth of America should be the most prominent group of voters in any election, due to the immediate impact that electing officials have on their future. However, statistics show that in this past election, the voter participation of those ranging from 18-29 years of age declined by  two percent from a record 52 percent at the 2008 election. This in turn led to equality between millennials and the baby boomer generation at the polls. Although 50 percent voter turnout sounds notable on paper, the fact of the matter is that out of the 75.4 million millennials of age to vote in the United States, only 23.7 million casted their vote. Low turnouts by millennials also misconstrued the analysis of the outcome of this past election. Although secretary Hillary Clinton gained 55 percent of the millennial vote in the past election, it fell short of Barack Obama’s 60 percent in the 2008 election. This five percent poll turnout made all the difference, especially in swing states that ultimately led to Clinton’s loss. If more young voters had come out, the election itself could have done a complete 360 and America could be under new leadership today.

Young voters have all the more reason to go out than any other age group. Electing officials is the gateway to electing a better future. By having a voice in government, the people have a direct effect on issues that shape their lives, especially on topics up for debate such as college tuition reform and federal job programs. By showing support in candidates who value the same beliefs, the voter’s voice is heard, giving the government a more wholesome representation. Elections essentially impact the youth depending on which bills and policies are passed. The era millennials live in today is far different than that of the baby boomers. Many progressive notions have been set in place, such as laws protecting gay marriage and acts providing healthcare for all. These ideologies reflect the generation of today. However, these reforms could easily be stripped if voter participation continues to lag, and those elected do not showcase the new values of this generation.

Although it may not seem like it has a large effect now, electing representatives for the future determines what the nation will look like for years to come. In such a tech savvy era, getting educated about who to vote for based on their beliefs is easier than ever. The nation is diverse as ever; everyone should have a say in what happens to their future. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “the ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Make America the democracy it once was and cast a vote.