Presidential elections always come with a bit of apprehension, and the upcoming election is no exception. We’ve compiled some resources to help you better understand how our elections work, explore what values are important to you and why, and show you how your actions and values can influence local, state and national politics and the laws you live by.
Did you know that the laws we live by are reflected in your quality of life?
You may ask yourself: “Am I satisfied with how things are going in my life?”. This includes your well-being, the well-being of your friends and family, the quality of education, safety in your neighborhood, and in the everyday lives of your loved ones. The good news is that even if you’re not old enough to vote in this year’s elections, you can still make a difference today by getting involved.
Here’s how:
- Learn about important issues: Research topics you care about and begin to define your values.
- Start a club or initiative at your school: Take action by gathering with peers who share similar interests.
- Have meaningful conversations: Talk to your mentor, friends and adults who make decisions about topics you feel strongly about.
Taking these actions is beneficial for many reasons. It builds leadership skills, it creates a sense of self-confidence, and it is practice for being an engaged community member as an adult. You can actually improve your quality of life and the lives of those people you care about.
Here is a link to an outstanding PBS collection that delves into the deeper understandings of issues such as the party system, a history of voter rights, current party platforms, and even media literacy — crucial tools necessary to navigate the abundance of information we encounter every day.