Staring down an election year is daunting enough, but knowing that you won’t be able to head to the polls adds another layer of anxiety. Luckily, though, there are things you can do to get involved with politics as a teenager without casting a ballot.
With minor elections around the corner and the General election swiftly approaching next year, it can be frustrating for young people who want to make their voices heard. Sure, you want to join the youth voter movement, but you’re too young to register or vote this year. Staring down an election year is daunting enough, but knowing that you won’t be able to head to the polls adds another layer of anxiety. Luckily, though, there are things you can do to get involved with politics as a teenager without casting a ballot.
1. Sign Petitions
If you care about what’s happening in the USA, then signing petitions that align with your beliefs is a great way to get started using your voice. This relatively low-investment action can have major payoff down the line. There are a variety of websites dedicated to helping petitions gain traction. Change.org and We the People are the big two, but there are others out there that might be of interest as well. Just sign up, sign your name, and know that you’re turning your opinions into tangible action.
2. Stay Informed
It may sound simple, but staying informed is a great way to become a part of the civic process before you head to the ballot box. Knowing what is happening in your community, knowing the candidates, and engaging in meaningful discussions about the issues is a never-ending job for each and every member of the voting public. Getting started on the process now is a great way to hone those skills and ensure that you are an informed voter when the next election rolls around. If you want to go one step further in your voter prep, take Inspire’s Pledge to Register or Pledge to Vote. We’ll remind you to register when the time comes to register, and/or when to head to the polls!