by Greg Cunningham
Election Day 2024
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Today is an appropriate time to reflect on one of Thomas Jefferson’s many memorable maxims:
“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
Voting is the most fundamental political right enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America. Not only the presidency is on the ballot today: down-ballot senators, representatives, governors and local officials will have far-reaching impacts on every level of policy and law in the coming years.
In recent elections the long downward spiral of young voters has rebounded, but polls show that less than half of eligible youth plan to vote in 2024. As educators, whatever our subject area, it is our crucial obligation to inform our students that voting is not just an abstract right, but a civic duty. The best way to instill the sense of this duty is to lead by example. Specific issues may have driven young voters to the polls in the last election. There may not be equally potent issues this time, but we must stress the importance of casting a ballot even when passions on issues lack heat. We should remember that many of the people we elect today will still be in office when issues that we do care about arise.
Reaching young voters where they are is a critical challenge. Movements to generate voter turnout are appearing on Tik Tok, Instagram, YouTube and other social media. But our best strategy to engage young voters may be through the antiquated medium of education. The importance of voting may be the most important lesson we educators can teach.
“Somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the world.” – Roald Dahl
And the polls are open until 8:00 PM.
Greg Cunningham is a JFY Learning Specialist
Other posts authored by Greg can be found here.
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