Every four years, November marks a period of political change in our country from local to national elections. Politicians must address issues big and small, impacting almost every part of the country. 

Young people in America have become the face of change, advocating for a range of laws and movements. Youth are continually making their voices heard through protests, petitions, and social equality movements.

“Young people play a strong role in the election,” Victor Qiu, a political science major at the University of Southern California, said. “Young people are a part of the decision making process that can directly affect them decades after they turn 18 and for the rest of their lives.”

Voting age in the United States is 18 years old, but many teenagers below that age are volunteering in campaigns in a variety of ways. There is no age requirement to volunteer and no age limit on being a leader in society.

“It is important to go the extra mile to volunteer for campaigns because we need to do anything we can to make a meaningful change,” sophomore Chambie Elliot said. “People don’t realize what a big difference they have the potential to make.”

Young people can volunteer for elections all around the country and in almost every campaign. Through phone banking, door to door campaigning, registering people to vote, visiting voters, and informing citizens of the power of voting, all play a huge role in the outcome of an election.

“It is important to be involved in an election because you are making yourself and your opinions known,” senior Serenity Hamilton said. “Even without a vote, the work you put into politics now could foster amazing changes for your future and for the future of this country, and progress can only be made when compassionate people with amazing ideas and desires for change become involved in the voting process.”

Knowing and understanding political parties and what they stand for is vital to having an informed society, and youth action is the first step to accomplishing that goal.

Here are specific ways that you can help and make a difference:  Tell at least one person in your house who is 18 years old or older to vote. There are many voting locations.  Early voting starts next Tuesday, October 13th, and every day through October 30th. The closest to Spring is at the Barbara Bush Library (HCPL) on 6817 Cypresswood Drive.  The closest Drive-Thru voting location is at  Fallbrook Church at 12512 Walters Road, Houston, Texas.  Know the issues that are at stake in our country.

 Our country is at a crossroads, from financing our schools, health care, to gun violence, and through volunteering, anyone can make an impact regardless of age.