Iowa Daily Democrat: The Power of a Non-Voting Voice

[Omaha Steve]

High School Democrats of Iowa offers passionate young people the unique opportunity to make a change in their communities. The statewide organization is hosting an event in Des Moines on August 6 to help further this mission. Photo Credit: High School Democrats of America

By Ellie Konfrst 08/01/16

As someone who grew up surrounded by politics, it was never really a question if I would get involved at a young age. In 2008, at age eight, I vividly remember sitting on my living room floor in penguin pajamas, coloring in an electoral map with colored pencils, and fighting my parents about sending me to bed before the president-elect was announced. For me, politics is the family business, which means my engagement was pretty much guaranteed. That’s not the case for everyone my age, however. I see more apathy than opposition when expressing my opinions with my friends, and that’s actually a huge problem.

Involvement in politics at a young age isn’t just a possibility – it’s a necessity. Granted, it can be difficult to get motivated when you can’t vote. As someone who volunteered for the statewide coordinated campaign at 13, it can be hard to ask people for vote-by-mail request forms when you can’t vote… period. Despite the disenfranchisement, youth involvement in politics is crucial for both democrats and our democracy as a whole. Young people are passionate, inspired, and energetic, and politics could use more of that.

When Britain voted to leave the European Union back in June, British youth exploded with anger, since older generations chose a future they say they didn’t want. It can be frustrating to see that happening and not be able to do anything. However, the notion that young people can’t do anything is not only incorrect, it can be harmful. Something interesting happens when a group of people can’t vote: no one else speaks for them. When no one else your age can vote, it’s increasingly important for each individual person to speak up. A vote is a pretty easy way to have a voice, but in the absence of voting rights? You have to work harder, speak louder, and fight longer for what you want. It’s important for young people to truly understand that if they don’t speak up, no one will.

FULL story: http://iowadailydemocrat.com/news/2016/08/non-voting-voice/


Ellie Konfrst

Chair, High School Democrats of Iowa
A sophomore at Des Moines-Roosevelt High School and Central Academy, Ellie Konfrst is the Chair of the newly formed High School Democrats of Iowa. Konfrst is also involved in Speech and Debate at Roosevelt, as well as working on the Central Academy newspaper, playing on the tennis team, and serving in student government.