The Changing Tides of Youth Voting

By Hannah Lennon

Youths are voting now more than ever, said Peter Lennon, former Plainville, Connecticut Town Clerk.

 “There weren’t many young voters back then, because the age was 21,” said Lennon.

Lennon, town clerk for 35 years before retiring in 2002, said he believes that many more young people vote now because of social media.

“They are more aware of politics because they see it on their social medias every day,” said Lennon.

Voting-age students from Plainville are voting in the 2018 midterms, either by absentee ballot or in person, even though many of them are away at college.

“The timing of Election Day can be difficult, as it is during the school week and polls are only open until 8 p.m.,” said Abigail Leander, a freshman at the University of Connecticut.

“However, its timing is no excuse not to vote as it is a very feasible task whether done in person or through an absentee ballot,” said Leander.

Leander is not the only college student from Plainville who believes voting is an easy task that should not be excused.

Nicholas Costantini, another freshman at UConn, is having a relative pick him up from the college and drive him home to vote.

“I believe that while there may be some obstacles involving transportation and the timing of elections, it is not too difficult to cast a ballot in whatever way one chooses to do so,” said Costantini.

 “I’m voting because I believe it is my civil duty to help choose the best people suited to guide our country in the right direction,” said Costantini.

Leander agreed.

“I think it is the best way for ordinary citizens to actively participate in our democracy,” said Leander.

They said voting is a privilege, and they do not plan on wasting it.

Dominika Mis, a graduate of Plainville High School and now at Fairfield University, will be using an absentee ballot this Election Day.

“I’m voting because it’s a right I have and I finally get the chance to utilize it and have a voice,” said Mis.

Elona Tanski, a freshman at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, will also be using an absentee ballot this November.

“It’s important to vote,” said Tanski, “for our voices to be heard.”

In a Tufts University CIRCLE (Center for Information and Research on Civil Learning and Engagement) study, in 2016, approximately 50 percent of eligible youth– about 24 million, ages 18 to 29 – voted in the 2016 general election.

Youth voting matters, because young people are a majority of voters, the Tufts University study noted.

Only 6 million youths are eligible to vote, while 39 million seniors are eligible, the study found.

Many youths believe that voting will bring about change in America.

 “Especially as the youngest generation, I believe our opinions are vital to shaping the America that we will soon inherit,” Leander said.