High School Politics?

  Highschoolers are often ignored when it comes to politics.This may be because they are not of voting age. Or it maybe because they are not young enough to be kissed by candidates in publicity photos. Either way, most Americans, especially the young people in question, believe that they hold little political importance. This is incorrect. However, I can see why people would think so.

   Since the voting age is 18 and most government related positions have even higher age minimums, it is hard and nearly impossible for teenagers to get directly involved in politics. Since voting is viewed as the most direct form of political action, save for running for office, highschoolers seem to be of little worth and zero impact. If one cannot support what they stand for, are they standing for it at all? If voting on candidates and policy is truly the only way to promote your political goals and beliefs, then I agree that high schoolers have no political worth.

   However, we must ask ourselves, is voting the only form of political participation? I don't believe it is. I believe there are a multitude of ways that younger people can not only get involved, but also make a difference in politics. The main reason that the political potential of highschoolers is not exploited is because the highschoolers themselves do not believe that they matter. They could not be more wrong! The teenage population is essentially clay waiting to be molded into responsible, thoughtful, voting citizens. Teenagers have a chance to promote policies that will actually come into effect when they need them as adults. Many adults currently promote initiatives that will not benefit them personally, but their children and grandchildren. Some examples of these are education initiatives, environmental conservation efforts, social security benefits, etc. Highschoolers can spread the word about issues they care about and convince those adults that can vote that their views are valid. Although they cannot vote, high schoolers are especially helpful in organizing rallies and promoting registration to vote. Getting people to register to vote is equivalent to voting yourself, only you are increasing political awareness and participation as a whole.

  Those who do not believe that they can make a difference without voting would do well to realize their importance as the base of future voters. The teenage years are some of the most formative of the young life, and the best thing that teenagers could do is make sure that they are well informed and aware of their political opportunities and positions, and what they can achieve for themselves through politics. Although I understand that politicians overlook teenagers because they are not a part of their voting constituency, this doesn't mean that they should lose confidence. Keep fighting for what you believe in both the political and social arenas, and you can make a difference!