VOTER PARTICIPATION OF THE MILLENNIAL POPULATION
One of the most significant challenges hindering true democracy in contemporary America is voter participation, particularly by young Americans. No matter how strong the young millennial generation may crave changes in many issues affecting America today, their views will be in vain unless strongly expressed in the ballot. One view on this scenario’s cause is that some intricate political barriers keep them off the ballot, such as election regulations, long lines, and short timelines for voting, among others (Morone & Kersh 250). Another view is the political landscape is extensively controlled by parties in which the millennium generation is hesitant to join. Since the older generation steers party operations, the party elites’ issues may not represent the millennial generations’ interests. The third view is that the millennial generation is more apt in rapidly changing their interests in many policy concerns, including reducing homelessness and enhancing access to clean water (Morone & Kersh 250). Ending the alienation of the youth in political decision-making structures will definitely increase their participation in the ballot. This is clearly demonstrated by the divergence of views between the millennials and the older generation on same-sex marriage and universal access to healthcare. Also, the millennials’ alienation is shown by the fact that only about a third of the silent generation who benefit most from the largest government programs (Medicare and social security) support universal healthcare (Morone & Kersh, 248). If the youth feel adequately involved in political parties’ decision-making, they will be motivated to be active during voting since issues affecting them could be addressed. Besides, since youth are the most active social media group, the 2nd view, coupled with robust social media campaigns, is likely to enhance youth participation. In fact, social media users are the most inclined to participate in active politics in the general public (Morone & Kersh, 247)
Therefore efforts to tap this significant proportion of the population into active participation in voting it is key to divert political focus from parties to areas that interest the millennial generation. Such issues include volunteering in healthcare and assisting children who are at risk. Campagna strategies should also be centered on public officials instead of citizens since that is where the interest of young age is (Morone & Kersh, 248). Furthermore, the political elite’s opinion on contemporary issues such as same-sex marriage, legalization of marijuana, and undocumented immigrants’ legalization should be considered carefully to avoid alienating the youth from the political landscape. Such issues should be properly articulated in social media to promote participation since it is the most preferred mode of communication among the youth (Morone & Kersh 248). These approaches are likely to actively attract the youth to participate in voting and help shape the country’s future. Leaving out this significant portion of the population in active politics is a mockery of true democracy.
Works cited
Morone, James A., and Rogan Kersh. By the people: Debating the American government. Oxford University Press, 2018.