When you look at the evidence, Millennials don't vote as often as older voters.
Before we wax philosophical, let us simply consider the socioeconomic factors at play: first, young people are mostly single, and staying single longer; they're more transient, they'll move from city to city and even across states. They therefore have had less time to develop roots into their communities and are unmoored from social connections that raise awareness and interest in civic affairs. Many don't register to vote at their new addresses.
Secondly, due to a variety of reasons, young people of this generation are less likely to own a home or any property than previous generations of young people. Homeownership is one of the variables that increases your likelihood to vote, and we count them amongst America's most reliable voting bloc, only dropping off 2% points in voter participation during mid term elections.
Back in April the Institute of Politics at Harvard University released the results of a poll that gathered information on young voters. Only 23% surveyed said they'd definitely vote in 2014. This compared to 38% youth voter participation in 2012. Only a 1/3 said they have trust in political institutions, a historic low.
When we start asking ourselves why young people are abstaining from exercising their constitutional right to the ballot box, also consider another study which points to the interests of millennials. Of those that responded, 2/3 surveyed are interested in celebrity and entertainment news, while 73% said they are NOT interested in government and politics and 66% said they are uninterested in business and finance. As a society we should find these results troubling and ask ourselves why Millennials choose to tune out issues that affect them.
We also know that Millennials grew up during the recession, during one of the only periods in our nation's history where young people are facing the reality that they may not reach the success of their parents. We are facing crushing student loan debt and the good paying job that was on the horizon of possibilities after graduating from college has practically vanished.
There is however encouraging data. My generation turned out to vote in record numbers in 2008, with nearly half of youth voters casting a ballot, the second highest youth turnout since 18 year olds earned the right to vote in 1972. Although the results of the election didn't turn out the way I had hoped, I respect the participation of my peers.
I'm proud to highlight some of the efforts my club, the Miami Young Republicans, are working on to engage young voters in the political process and the community:
We put our money where our mouth is and award annual scholarships to hard working and talented students.
In May, we awarded scholarships to two FIU students, Alejandro Falgons and Dennis Par, and to Laura Loomer from Barry university. All three of them work and study their way through school, as I know so many of you have and so many of my peers have as well.
This scholarship program was started because the cost of higher education has skyrocket for our generation.We think it's the responsibility of community organizations, such as the Miami Young Republicans, to help students complete their education and avoid the crushing debt of student loans and this is our contribution.
In fact I'm proud to share our club won the recognition of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans, two years in a row, for best event for hosting our scholarship program.
In addition we organize grassroots events to inform young voters on issues of particular importance to them. Just a couple of weeks ago, we had a fantastic turnout at our July meeting where we hosted a forum with Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Lyft, and All Aboard Florida to discuss ridesharing, privately funded rail transit, and the the future of transportation in Miami Dade county.
We've heard a lot about brain drain in South Florida, and surveys show that young people want to live, work, and play in walkable communities with transportation options. We are young, we are in tune with the issues of importance to our generation.
We also partner with groups and organizations that reflect the diversity of young voters. One such group is the Miami Log Cabin Republicans, whom we've proudly supported in their efforts to achieve marriage and workplace equality.
Two weeks ago, we were proud to stand next to Miami LCR President Mimi Planas and co-hosted the Right Solutions Summit, which connected voters with grassroots clubs and organizations and with elected representatives and candidates for office, including Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera and State Senator Anitere Flores.
The Miami Young Republicans also regularly hosts political journalists and scientists to speak and give us their insights as well as our elected officials. We're provided the opportunity for our members and future members to personally meet and interact with their elected representatives.
In an age where 90% millennials are online it's only logical to create digital strategies to engage, inform, communicate and exchange ideas with young voters. Our club's Chairman, Bradley Gerber, helped usher in the club into the 21st century, leading the rebranding as "Miami Young Republicans" and registering and maintaining our new website, logo, and social media handles. (SHAMELESS PLUG TO FOLLOW US: @MiamiYRs)
One of my goals for the coming year is to start a community garden in elementary and middle schools. The purpose is to teach children what happens when you plant a seed, water it and watch it grow. The lessons learned from investing one's time and efforts to a cause, whatever that may be, is valuable to the future of our nation. There is value to showing children that their efforts are important and their contributions are needed. We need to create more avenues to engage young people BEFORE they come of voting age. Get them involved in leadership roles and in community volunteering projects. By giving young people opportunities to engage, we give them a reason to care.
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