Mike Smith:
Will, let’s talk about motivation to get involved. Can young people actually make a difference in politics, even if they can’t run for office or actually vote yet?

Will Estrada:
Mike, they sure can. There are great ways for young people to get involved and make a real difference long before they’re old enough to cast their own ballots. For starters, participate in voter registration drives to make sure that as many people as possible have a voice in our elections. Statistics show that only half of eligible adults are registered to vote. And only half of those registered actually vote in any given election—that’s a quarter of the enfranchised population participating in the electoral process. So voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts can be really significant.

When election time comes around, good candidates can use help in a number of ways. You can phone bank or distribute literature door-to-door.

Before the primary election is the best time to get behind a candidate who really represents your views. Because fewer people vote in the primaries, your effort during this crucial time could have a huge impact. If the candidate who comes out of the primaries doesn’t represent you, no amount of effort later will make up for that lost opportunity.

These are just a few ways that young people, with a little enthusiasm and energy, can influence elections.

Mike:
Will, great suggestions. Young people could truly make a profound difference by putting them into practice. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.