Why you should vote on election day

LAURA VAN DE PETTE STAFF WRITER LCV722@ CABRINI EDU

An abysmal 36 percent of eligible 18-24 year-olds punched their ticket at the polls in the last presidential election. Since getting the voting age lowered to 18 in 1972, young people have been increasingly less interested in voting on Election Day.

Why?

This election is essential to the future of our generation, as current President George W. Bush indisputably made vital financial blunders. Since Sept. 30, 2003 the national debt has continued to increase an average of $1.69 billion a day. Consequently, whether you vote or not in this election you will be paying for it for the rest of your life; not your grandparents and parents who routinely vote every election, but you.

Why does our age-group refuse to utilize our voting rights? If young people (18-24 year-olds) can increase their voter turnout from 18 million in the 2000 presidential election to 20 million in November, the elected presidents and subsequent candidates will cater to the needs of you and your college friends rather than appeasing your grandparents.

Do you want to vote now?

If you’re still questioning whether or not it is worth your time to vote, maybe an issue that impinges on your wallet will convince you. As current college students or recent college graduates, you should be informed that the average post graduation debt has soared to nearly $19,000, and 25 percent of graduates will use credit cards to help finance their education. Will you vote for a candidate who will agree to scale up college grants for low and middle-income families? Your vote would help more students reap the economic benefits of higher education and will keep your post-graduation debt from increasing.

Do you want to vote now?

A growing number of 18-24 year-old citizens are financially stressed and unemployed. Unfortunately, many students will be graduating in May and will be struggling to find an entry level position. Piles of student loan debt, high rent and lack of health insurance will burden their post graduation years. The former may seem discouraging, but the reality is your vote may change the fate of your postgraduation career.

Do you want to vote now?

More than 2,700 young people lose their health insurance each day due to the family plan gap, school gap, cost gap and work gap. Will you choose a candidate that promises to reform the health care system? Your vote will prove to the presidential candidates that young people are standing up to the health care system. With increasing numbers of young