For some of us growing up in Macon, voting was a thing we were excited about. We have fun memories of filling out the children’s ballot and waiting to see if the person we voted for won the election.
This early involvement with voting developed an interest in the process that lasted for many of us into our young adult years. When we finally became eligible ( aka grown enough) to vote in an official election; we showed up!
Unfortunately, not all Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z voters have had that same childhood experience, and some of us have become discouraged by the lack of activity, relatability, and dependability of those that run for public office.
But we are not those little children anymore, and the good news for us is that we have the ability to be the exact change we want to see.
According to the Pew Research Center, the three younger generations – those ages 18 to 53 in 2018 – reported casting 62.2 million votes, compared with 60.1 million cast by Baby Boomers and older generations.
We did that, and as a matter of fact, it’s not the first time the younger generations outvoted their elders: The same pattern occurred in the 2016 presidential election.
Higher turnout accounted for a significant portion of the increase.
Millennials and Gen X together cast 21.9 million more votes in 2018 than in 2014. The number of eligible voter Millennials and Gen Xers grew by 2.5 million over those four years, and 4.5 million votes were cast by Gen Z voters, all of whom turned 18 since 2014.
As the boomer electorate decreases in size, experts suggest it is merely a matter of time before millennials become the largest and most powerful group driving future elections in the U.S.
Unfortunately, not all who can vote will, meaning that fewer young people get to directly influence issues that will affect our lives for years to come.
Often times when young adults are finishing high school and preparing for the next phase of their life, they don’t see their place in the voting process, but the millennial or youth vote is very important to build longevity for a city, county, state, or nation.
Young voters add energy and bright ideas to an election. Once students return home from college with their newly formed skill sets, ideas, and wants, it’s important for them to be accepted.
With the Whitby campaign, you, as a young voter, are not an afterthought but a priority. Mr. Whitby is focused on using the talent we already have in our city and county, as well as bringing opportunities for economic growth for our community.
Mr. Whitby understands Macon-Bibb’s most valuable asset is its young adults; we are the future and we can make a difference today.
It is with confidence and excitement that we encourage our fellow young voters to not only vote for Mr. Whitby for Mayor but also to get involved with this campaign so that we can be an active part of this movement.
Join us today and become the change our city and county needs.
Sincerely,
Young Voters for Whitby
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