Election missing a major voice
Shout-out to millennial adults, and their future. If you’re 18 to 30-something, please read on. If not, please spread word. Today.
Census figures show millennials number 83 million, outnumber baby boomers, are the most diverse generation so far, and represent more than a quarter of the nation’s eligible voters. In four years they’re expected to exceed one-third. You millennials have grown up in a very different world than your predecessors; it’s no surprise that you have very different perspectives.
Soon you will be in charge and we’ll be gone, so shouldn’t it be up to you to define the nation you inherit? Wake up call: Unless you step up today, you won’t be deciding your societal future — the one formed by lawmakers local, state, and national while the rest of us pay little heed.
But unless you take a few extra minutes today, you’ll be living with what your elders decide. Again. Consider the numbers.
According to a Press article by Ada County election chief Phil McGrane, only 44 percent of millennials in Idaho are registered to vote. Compare that to 99 percent of people over 70. Census figures from the 2012 national election showed Americans 65 and older had the highest turnout, 72 percent. Bravo to voting seniors, but consider the irony: The voices which outnumber any other age group will be drowned out by those they outnumber.
That’s an ironic waste of the most valuable and hard fought-for right in any democracy. Ideals are worthless without action. Millennials tend to express caring about the rights of others, have a strong sense of their own ethics, and yet... Most don’t vote?
According to WalletHub’s report “Election by the Numbers” released Monday, 79 percent of millennials think the election system is broken. So that justifies apathy? Apathy just increases the sticker shock, feeding upon itself. Go with that as a generation, and you may be stuck with results unlikely to represent your ideals, your vision of the society you will have to live in the longest.
Easy way to change that. Voting doesn’t take long, but it affects just about everything in daily life. Own it.
Haven’t registered (or changed your address or name)? No problem. Idaho has quick Election Day registration. Simply go to your polling/voting place to fill out a short voter registration card, show driver’s license/state ID (or other option below), and proof of residence.
Proof of Residence can be a recent utility bill, credit card statement, auto registration, rental agreement, or similar document printed with name and current address. Students may use a tuition/fee statement showing the student’s valid address in the precinct.
If you don’t drive or have a state ID, take a valid passport, military ID, tribal ID, student ID, or membership card with a photo issued by a business or organization with the elector’s photo and name printed on it.
Don’t know whom to vote for? Check out nonpartisan voter guides and candidate positions at Lwvkcvoterguide.org and Myvirtualpaper.com/doc/coeur-d-alene-special-sections/votersguide.
Don’t know what precinct you’re in or where to vote in Kootenai County? Use the search tool at Kc.gov.us/elections/search or call (208) 446-1030. Too late this time, but next time you can get an absentee mail-in ballot (you don’t actually have to be out of town) and save the trip.
Polls are open today 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. No excuses. Don’t let others shape your future. Earn the right to later gripe (or cheer, or laugh at SNL skits). The nation should better resemble its entire electorate.
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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.