by Zayin Taylor
Not being able to vote in 2024 was disappointing. Not being able to vote for the first Black woman in American history to run for president was devastating.
I was born on November 7, 2006, two days short of being able to vote in the 2024 Presidential Election. On November 5, 2024, my family woke me up by bursting into my room, demanding we “all go vote.” I had a sour attitude the whole day. After all, I was the only person in my family unable to cast a ballot — short by just two days — while my sister was voting in her first presidential election.
My parents knew I was upset about not being eligible to vote, so instead of leaving me home while everyone else went to the polls, my father included me by keeping me in the booth with him and talking me through casting a ballot.
Youth Want a Candidate They Trust
Voting for a candidate like Kamala Harris was an honor to all who could participate for many reasons. Not only was it possible this year to vote for an oppressed, underrepresented intersectionality of a minority, but also, so many young people had the opportunity to see themselves in a position of power they had never previously seen, as well as witnessing the overwhelmingly positive support she received.
Many people don’t like personality politics for various reasons, but to the youth of America, being able to relate and align with the candidate is much more important than it is with older generations. The youth of America want someone they can trust with their support, time, and money and someone they know can protect their rights. Voting for someone facing the same system of oppression and seeing that she has come so far was so exciting for Black women, primarily the reason Harris had such a large percentage of the Black female vote.
Seeing Kamala Harris’s name on the ballot made an oppressed, underrepresented demographic of people feel like they may not have to fight tooth and nail to maintain the same rights that so many Americans quickly discard. Regardless of the election results, Harris running for president while simultaneously serving a term in office gave many Americans so much hope. The hope that Harris was able to offer to so many people is what stands out as the most inspiring part of her campaign.
Creating Change in Our Communities
After processing the grief of being unable to vote in the presidential election, I pivoted. I decided that two days after an election wasn’t enough to give up my determination to contribute to my community. I realized that if I actively make a difference within my community, there’s no reason for me to dwell on an opportunity missed. Especially if I ensure I have opportunities ahead of me.
Civic engagement is crucial for the young people of my up-and-coming generation, and we have the tools to truly implement the change we want to see within our society. Our technology allows us to access any information or community we seek, and we can connect with people without even being remotely close to them.
For young people who have recently come of age like me, or who will be coming of age soon — or who want to show support to others and create change in their communities — there are many ways you can make a difference by engaging in civic duties. You can do community service, which is a great way to bond with people who live in your neighborhood or share a desire to build a better place to live. Getting active within your community is some of the most productive and rewarding work you can do, and you witness the results in real-time.
Once you’re of age, you can vote in all of your local elections and donate to or fundraise for candidates you’re passionate about. The American people are always welcome to contact their elected officials in office, let them know their concerns, and ask what they do to address the issue. As a young constituent, your perspective is valued and will be considered if advocated for. This sense of empowerment makes civic engagement essential and rewarding for our generation.
Many people in positions of power often disregard the opinions of people below a certain age and pay them and their needs no mind when making decisions. Even young people themselves forget the power we hold when we band together to achieve a collective goal. We cannot continue to rely on people who purposely misinterpret us. If we want change, we need to want it enough to speak up and do something about it.
Build Connections, Stay Motivated
Given the presidential election’s outcome, we must also take care of and check in with our family members. Ask them how they’re feeling and what their fears are, and create a truly loving, supportive environment for them to be honest. This act of compassion and care will strengthen our bonds and create a more inclusive and supportive society.
It’s easy to give up and lose your previous motivation. But it’s important we stay informed and stay aware. The only person you can rely on best is you, so you have to be the one to gather necessary information and create noise. Voting on a local level can be the difference in your state banning books, regulating women’s reproductive care, or even the price of your daily living. This responsibility and commitment to staying informed and aware will drive the change we want to see in our society.