As election season approaches, young voters play a critical role in shaping the future of their countries. Yet, many young people fall into traps that prevent their voices from being as effective as they could be.
In this post, we’re going to explore the two most common mistakes that young voters make and provide practical solutions to fix them before Election Day arrives.
Problem: Mistake 1 — Failing to Register or Missing Deadlines
For many first-time voters, navigating the registration process can feel confusing. Missing a registration deadline or not knowing how to register is one of the biggest issues young voters face. According to a 2022 study by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), over 30% of young voters who didn’t cast a ballot cited registration issues as a barrier. This is a staggering number, given that voter turnout among young people has the potential to sway elections.
Why This Happens
The reasons for this mistake are varied, but they often boil down to a lack of awareness. Many young voters are unaware of the registration process, unsure of the deadlines, or assume they are automatically registered. Others may move frequently due to college, jobs, or personal reasons, leading to confusion about where they are eligible to vote.
This confusion is compounded by varying registration laws across different regions. In some places, voter registration closes 30 days before an election, while other areas offer same-day registration. Young voters often underestimate how much lead time they need to ensure they are eligible to cast a ballot.
The Impact
Failing to register means forfeiting the right to vote, plain and simple. Elections are often won by narrow margins, especially in local or state races. Missing out on voting due to a registration error reduces young voters' influence on issues like climate change, education reform, healthcare access, and economic policy — issues that directly impact their futures.
In 2020, a Pew Research Center report noted that while voter turnout among young people increased, their participation was still lower than other age groups, largely because of logistical barriers like registration. This reinforces the importance of addressing this mistake head-on.
Solution: Simplify the Registration Process
To avoid this pitfall, young voters need clear, step-by-step guidance on how to register and vote. Here's a breakdown of what can be done:
Know Your State's Rules: Different states have different voter registration deadlines and methods. Some states allow online registration, while others require forms to be mailed. Young voters should check their state’s election website early to avoid last-minute confusion.
Use Voting Apps and Tools: There are several nonpartisan websites and apps designed to help people register. Tools like Vote.org and TurboVote simplify the registration process by guiding voters through the steps based on their location. They also send reminders when deadlines are approaching.
Register Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to register. By registering well ahead of the deadline, voters can avoid unexpected issues. This also leaves time to fix any potential problems, such as address discrepancies or missing documents.
Double-Check Registration Status: Many young people assume they are registered when they are not. It’s important to verify voter registration status, which can usually be done online. A quick check ensures that voters are ready to go before Election Day.
Problem: Mistake 2 — Voting Without Doing Proper Research
Young voters are passionate, and that’s a great thing. However, one common mistake is heading to the polls without adequate research. Voting based solely on headlines, social media posts, or even a candidate’s party affiliation can lead to uninformed decisions that don’t reflect one’s true interests or values.
A 2018 Harvard Institute of Politics study found that nearly half of young voters felt uncertain about political candidates and their platforms. This uncertainty often results in impulsive voting, swayed by emotional appeals or the loudest voices, rather than well-rounded knowledge of policies and candidates.
Why This Happens
Several factors contribute to this mistake:
Over-reliance on Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become major sources of political information for young voters. While these platforms are powerful for raising awareness, they can also spread misinformation or present biased views that don’t provide a full picture.
Information Overload: With so much content available online, many young voters experience information fatigue. They may skip in-depth research, assuming that snippets of news or opinions from friends are enough to inform their vote.
Political Apathy: Some young voters may not believe their vote has a real impact or feel disillusioned with politics. As a result, they put minimal effort into learning about candidates or issues, only engaging at the last minute.
The Impact
Casting an uninformed vote can have long-term consequences. Local and state elections often affect policies that directly impact young voters' daily lives, such as affordable housing, student debt, public transportation, and healthcare access. National elections shape the future of environmental policies, economic stability, and social justice issues.
Voting without doing adequate research can lead to electing officials who may not represent the best interests of young voters or the issues they care about. Worse, it can perpetuate a cycle of apathy if the elected officials don't deliver on expectations, reinforcing the notion that "my vote doesn’t matter."
Solution: Commit to Informed Voting
To avoid this mistake, young voters can take steps to ensure their votes are well-informed and aligned with their values:
Research Candidates and Issues: Before heading to the polls, it’s essential to learn about the candidates’ platforms and track records. Websites like Ballotpedia, Vote411, and official candidate pages provide information on where candidates stand on important issues.
Follow Reliable News Sources: Social media can be helpful for raising awareness, but it shouldn’t be the only source of political information. Instead, young voters should turn to reputable news organizations and fact-checked journalism to get a clear, unbiased view of the candidates and issues.
Attend Candidate Forums and Debates: Many candidates participate in local forums or televised debates. These events are an excellent opportunity to hear candidates explain their policies directly and address concerns from the community.
Focus on Policies, Not Personalities: It’s easy to get caught up in the charisma or personality of a candidate, but what truly matters are the policies they support. Voters should prioritize candidates whose platforms align with their values and goals, rather than being swayed by popularity or social media presence.
Use Voter Guides: Many nonpartisan organizations publish voter guides that break down the pros and cons of each candidate’s stance. These guides are especially helpful for understanding local issues, propositions, and judicial candidates, who are often overlooked in media coverage.
Fixing These Mistakes: A Step Toward Empowering Young Voters
Encourage Early Action
Young voters should be encouraged to start thinking about their vote well in advance. Registration deadlines and election day will creep up quickly, and waiting until the last minute often leads to rushed decisions or missed opportunities to vote altogether.
Being proactive by registering early and dedicating time to researching candidates can prevent these mistakes. Additionally, it can empower young voters to have thoughtful discussions with friends and family, amplifying the importance of well-informed voting.
Education and Awareness Campaigns
Schools, universities, and community organizations can play a crucial role in educating young voters. Peer-led workshops, social media campaigns, and voter registration drives are all ways to engage young people and help them avoid these common mistakes. These efforts can emphasize the importance of civic participation and break down the barriers to voting.
The Ripple Effect of a Well-Informed Vote
Every vote cast by a young person who is registered and well-informed contributes to a stronger, more representative democracy. This demographic, if mobilized, can have a significant influence on issues like climate action, criminal justice reform, and affordable education.
Moreover, by voting based on well-researched decisions, young voters can help elect candidates who are accountable and focused on enacting policies that reflect their generation's priorities. This is how meaningful change happens.
Conclusion: Make Your Vote Count
The two most common mistakes young voters make—failing to register and voting without sufficient research—are both fixable. By understanding the registration process and committing to thorough research, young voters can ensure that their voices are heard and their choices matter.
With Election Day around the corner, now is the time to act. Double-check your registration, educate yourself on the candidates, and make a plan to vote. Every vote counts, and young voters have the power to shape the future—if they are prepared.
So don’t wait. Take these steps today to avoid these mistakes, and be ready to make your vote count when it matters most.
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