Everyone has a theory as to why I don’t vote, but no one really asks me.
So I’ll explain.
I am neither lazy nor apathetic. I’m confused and frustrated. I am told to care about issues like Social Security and health care, when chances are high that I won’t even find a job after I graduate from college. I juggle low-wage, part-time jobs or a full-time class schedule, and I’m not necessarily available on Nov. 2.
I cannot be accurately represented by percentages and statistics. I cannot be graphed and charted. I am not a Democrat, Republican or other. I’m a mixed bag of experiences and influences, and no one can predict how I will vote when I do vote.
I am not ignorant. I know what’s going in the world–even if I hear it mostly from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” And yes, at times I do care more about the latest episode of “The Sopranos” than the headline news. That’s because I live the headline news. I know about poverty and crime. I live it every day.
I am not disengaged, I’m worn out. Sometimes I feel that no matter how I vote, there will still be war, crime and poverty. And I have other things on my mind. I am worried about skin cancer, drunken drivers, eating disorders, what I’m going to be when I grow up, how I’m going to get there and what I’m going to do Friday night.
I don’t know the difference between President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry because they don’t take time out from kissing babies and the behinds of corporate executives to tell me. Anyway, sex scandals, wars based on false pretenses and broken promises have left me cynical about all politicians.
Howard Dean tried to change my mind about the political process. He made me a part of his campaign, rather than a target. He recognized the power I hold, rather than ignoring my potential.
I am active on campuses across the country, but this part of me is recognized only as a minority–a few bright stars in an otherwise dark night.
I am not a dark knight. I will not ride in on my horse come November and steal the election for one candidate or another. I don’t know if I will even really vote at all. But I do know that I am 48 million strong. And if someone would just reach out to me–not just during election years, but every day–I would show them overwhelming support at the polls.
I am the youth vote.
