With what is going on around the world in 2020, it is hard not to have an opinion about a host of political issues. But it’s our ability to vote that allows us to express these views in the most productive way. In fact, if we exercise that right, opinionated young adults may just have the largest impact this November. 

Many students here at NASH are getting to vote in their first election this year. While that may be exciting, this is one odd election year. This presidential race is like no other — intensely divisive. While some students are confused about what this means for them, many are more ready than ever to cast their vote.

Having the right to vote in the United States is something many students in other countries do not get to do. If we are given such a big privilege, it is our job to take advantage of it. And as long as newly-turned eighteen year olds are not afraid of putting their opinions out there, why stop them? 

Many adults tend to believe that parents or the news skew a young adult’s political views. And with all the news floating around, whether it is from biased news stations or people like celebrities, it’s a fair argument.

When I think of media bias, I often think of Fox News, a very conservative program, and CNN, a very liberal program. When flipping back and forth between the two stations, it impossible to not notice that Fox is always backing the president, and CNN is always criticizing him.

Many people with strong opinions will call the other side “fake news.” Whether one believes it is fake news or not, these broadcasts have one job– to inform you. Maybe they secretly persuade their viewers, but that topic is for another day.

However, while biased news sources may be be a factor, a young adult’s choice is their choice, and ultimately, that is their vote.

Having an opinion is a good thing, but it can sometimes lead to heated arguments. Some people believe that their opinion is the only way to live. If somebody is planning to vote for the other party or has different political beliefs, and they are increasingly stubborn about their views, then arguing with them is not worth your time. 

At times, these differences can cause social media to blow up. Someone will post a strong picture or message to show their beliefs, and then somebody from the opposing party will see it, resulting in an argument. 

In the end, however, despite all of the fighting, that individual has the right to post what they want.

Young adults voting in their first election this year have it tough — not only with the new policies and different voting methods, but the fact that some feel scared to voice their opinion. It is hard to have such a strong opinion when it seems like the world is going to attack you for it.

However, when students have the right to express themselves on social media and, most importantly, at the polls, then they should by all means use it. If they have a view that others may not agree with, they should feel unafraid.

After all, respectful disagreement is at the heart of a healthy democracy, and as the next generation of leaders, we should embrace our right to free speech and use it well.

In our society, various political views are displayed all throughout the world, especially this time of year. Everywhere you look, you see a new sign trying to get the younger generations to vote. However, sometimes this encouragement only adds to the pressure some young adults may feel.

You may be thinking, “Oh, it will pressure them into voting.” Well, for many students, that is far from the case. 

Having political views in today’s environment is a risky move. Many students who feel comfortable voicing their opinions are not very pleased when others do not agree with their stances. This new, frightening political world is a terrifying place for many kids. 

Disagreeing on either side of the aisle can be intimidating. Our world is extremely judgmental when it comes to a lot of new ideas, so at times, many kids feel like if they voice their opinions, people who disagree will simply not respect them.

Additionally, people who do feel strongly about politics are very not very welcoming to others who are not as well-versed in the subject. Some kids who are just getting their feet wet in politics are not accepted by certain peers.

The fear our generation is feeling has caused a wave in society. The effect it is having on us is something many older generations cannot attest to. This new conversation is becoming toxic to the point where a lot of people have chosen to stand back and watch. The venomous environment is a huge reason why many students do not feel the need to be politically involved.

Our generation’s voice is surely one of the most important ways to make a change. But how can we do that with a lack of communication and an increasing amount of bitterness? Politics used to be a great informal way to hear both views and to educate ourselves. It has turned into a battleground and place of judgment. 

Many students have grown up being influenced by their parents’ opinions, which have now affected their current stance on either party. This has caused many kids to be brainwashed by what their parents have told them— not by what is accurate.

There’s also an issue in the fact that numerous couples are split on which party they support. Hearing your parents constantly debate in a childish manner is an unpleasant sight. It ends up being an argument on which parent believes which candidate will be a better leader, and when people are forced to take sides, it gets ugly.

Another reason politics are becoming more toxic is the media. The news is a platform that expresses opinions quite often. Fox News is a very Republican-based program, while CNN is more liberal. Listening to either channel can force you to question everything you thought you knew because of “fake news.” 

All of these outside influences are reasons why many young individuals do not want to vote. Politics have become a pernicious environment.  It all has gotten to a point where now kids don’t feel the need to start another conflict amid the chaos, so they now keep what they feel inside. The anxiety that rushes over them when they are demanded to speak is a reason most do not feel they can voice their opinion through their vote.

The reality is that many students often question if they want to cause yet another fight in an already tense society or is it easier to stay silent.