Indiana's youth can influence the 2024 elections

As a 17-year-old who cares deeply about the politics of our country and the state of Indiana, I find it sad that some of my peers feel like their voices don't matter or that they just don't care about the direction the country is heading.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 89,000 votes were cast in Indiana in 2022 by Indiana residents ages 18-24 – that's just 16% of voters in that age group. The Tufts Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found that youth voter turnout has declined by -9.1% since 2018. In a state where particularly divisive legislation is proposed and passed that violates the rights of Indiana residents, the voice of the people is valuable – especially the voice of youth. One small step towards creating the society I and other young voters want to live in is to cast your vote.

Although I cannot vote in this election, I look forward to my classmates, friends, and other young, eligible Indiana residents getting out to the polls and fulfilling this wonderful civic duty. To be able to make a tangible change in your community at such a young age is an inspiring thing, and there are opportunities in Indiana to do just that. One 2022 Indiana House of Representatives election was decided by 810 votes, another by 333 votes, and another by just 242 votes.

In a presidential election year, there is a lot of focus on key election results, but there is much more at stake. State and local authorities will also influence the policies that will affect our lives in the years to come.

The last few years have been crucial for Indiana's legislation, particularly regarding reproductive rights and access. As Indiana was the first state to Dobbs Revoke decision Roe v. WadeSome might think that most Indiana residents agree with a ban on abortion. But that is a mistake. In fact, most Indiana residents believe that abortion should be available if someone needs it.

The numbers are even more striking when it comes to young people. One study found that 76% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 believe that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. So the fact that this is not reflected in our legislation shows a major deficit in representing the opinions of young people. The views of young people are clearly not taken into account in our legislation.

Our world is being shaped and formed as we grow up. Whether it's abortion rights, criminal justice reform, racial justice, or other issues that affect your vote, they're all on the table and affect young citizens of Indiana profoundly. The lack of young people at the polls is a serious problem that must and can be solved.

Yes, you can vote if you are a college student in Indiana or a 17-year-old who will turn 18 on November 5, 2024. You can use your voice and make a powerful impact in your community. Young voters have the ability to create change in their communities. To do that, it's important that you vote – if not to use your own voice, then to inspire generations to come to follow your example and take action in the events affecting our country.

Please participate in the change you want and register to vote here by October 7th.

And learn more about common misconceptions about who can vote in Indiana here.