Young people should get involved in politics, regardless of their views

Standing with fellow Putnam County Democrats at the Indiana Democratic Convention, Greencastle High School senior Ty Ishikawa (right) takes part in the process of democracy, something he’s now encouraging other young people to do, regardless of their political preferences.

Courtesy photo

This summer, I attended the Indiana Democratic Convention in Indianapolis as a delegate, voting with 2,000 others to choose the party’s nominees for lieutenant governor and attorney general. But even though I attended the Indiana Democratic Convention, I’m not just writing for young Democrats. I’m also writing for young Republicans, young Libertarians, young Green Partiers and even young people who aren’t interested in politics but just want to see positive change in their community.

Ultimately, our specific opinions are less important than simply getting involved. Even if we aren’t successful, our involvement strengthens American democracy.

Getting involved in politics sounds difficult. It might also sound like a lot of work, and young people are already busy, whether they’re working or getting an education or both.

We’re already so involved with sports or clubs or friends that we think we couldn’t possibly fit something like politics into our schedule. But it’s important to devote the time we do have to politics when there are so many issues to take action on today that will affect our future.

Young voters, who turn out to elections in comparatively low numbers, are especially crucial in deciding issues.

Getting involved wasn’t difficult. I needed to register to vote before I went to the convention, so I walked down to the BMV with a few documents and registered within half an hour. Those of us who have learner’s permits or driver’s licenses have already had the opportunity to register.

Making an impact is accessible. And it’s a great experience — at the convention, I had the opportunity to observe how political decisions are made and the factors that determine a party’s choice of nominees. When I realized that I would be voting, I was surprised that young people like me were getting to make these important decisions. But regular people who care about causes are the right people because the candidates hope to govern for everyone.

My freshman history teacher once said that if you can vote but don’t, you can’t complain about politics. I think he’s right — if we feel that there is a change that should be made, or shouldn’t be made, we should use the resources that democracy gives us to make or prevent that change. When we get involved in politics, we ensure that our opinions gain the importance they deserve in our government.

If I hadn’t gone to the convention, my vote not being counted wouldn’t have changed the outcome. But in a way it made the choice of candidates more legitimate, since I, as a young citizen, had my say.

The fact that we have our say makes our government — for the people, by the people — that much more justified and ensures that our collective interests won’t be ignored, whatever our opinions. Everyone who votes and gets involved in politics is essentially on the same side — the side of democracy — trying to put the ideas of the people into action.