The Youth of America Cannot Sit This One Out
It is obvious that political polarization is on the rise and many believe the country is losing sight of what democracy is. It is up to us to ensure the survival of the democratic process, standing on the foundational values of these United States. That is exactly why it’s more important than ever for young voters to actively reject divisiveness and work for the democracy that we need and deserve, and one that supports a healthy and thriving climate.
A strong democracy relies on the active participation of its citizens. All voters are crucial in sustaining and strengthening democratic institutions by holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs of its people.
I see many people, some of them friends, who feel entirely disillusioned by the entire electoral process. Some common excuses I hear are that their vote will not matter, they don’t identify with any political concepts, or that they are merely disinterested. Active participation becomes greatly diminished when the attitude of political apathy in the country is so prominent. These excuses are weak. I say that so bluntly because this election is not merely a question of red versus blue, or liberalism vs conservatism; it is about upholding the core values of democracy.
It is entirely ironic that I am writing about the importance of voting in the U.S. 2024 election, because I am not allowed to vote in any US elections due to my Mexican citizenship. Although I have lived in the United States for almost my entire life, I was born in Mexico meaning I cannot vote (or run for president!).
That being said, this past June, I voted in the Mexican presidential election. Without getting into Mexico’s political situation, these past many years have been rather depressing to witness as a Mexican citizen. Clean energy progress was halted, crime skyrocketed, and the erosion of federal institutions has led to democratic backsliding.
But the political situation did not lead to apathy in my family. So, along with my family, and many other Mexican families living abroad, I waited outside the Mexican consulate in Washington D.C. for 11 hours, to cast my vote for the first time in my life in June. I felt, and still do, feel a responsibility to try and shape the future of my country, Mexico. I know that no matter how small my vote might be in the grand scheme of things, I must participate in the democratic process to try and hold off any further democratic corrosion. For me, it is impossible to not see the parallels playing out this election season here in the United States.
I implore my friends and other youth of America to take a step back. Do not listen to divisive rhetoric. Vote for the future you want for your community and future generations. Vote for clean energy, justice, an honest democracy, and a country that makes you proud. I implore my friends and other youth of America to vote for the people that cannot, like me, and I implore my friends and other youth of America to vote for themselves and their beliefs, not for what they have been told by others.
Look towards the progress, don’t let the noise distract you. Go to the polls and think about how you see the future for your country. By actively participating in elections and civic life, you directly contribute to a healthier democracy and a brighter future for all of us.
Learn more about voting rights, how to evaluate candidates, where your local polling stations are, and making an informed voting plan using ecoAmerica’s Get Out the Vote resources.
About the Author:
Eric Márquez, Blessed Tomorrow Intern with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy
Additional Resources:
Apply or Nominate: American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023