Classification
Voting in the United States is a fundamental civil right protected by federal and state law. Under laws such as the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes, all citizens who meet age and residency qualifications are entitled to participate in elections without discrimination based on race, color, or previous servitude. States set specific eligibility rules, such as minimum age, residency, and mental competence, but voting is specifically classified as a right and civic responsibility.
Empowerment: Voting gives every eligible citizen the power to choose leaders and shape the laws and policies that directly affect daily life, from education and healthcare to the environment and civil rights.
Accountability: By voting, citizens can hold elected officials responsible for their actions and replace leaders who do not represent their values.
Reflection of Public Will: High voter participation ensures that outcomes reflect the true voice of the people.
Social Progress: Voting honors the struggle of those who fought for equal voting rights throughout history.
Stronger Communities: When people vote, communities tend to have governments that allocate resources more fairly and responsively
Why It Matters
Empowerment: Voting gives every eligible citizen the power to choose leaders and shape the laws and policies that directly affect daily life, from education and healthcare to the environment and civil rights.
Accountability: By voting, citizens can hold elected officials responsible for their actions and replace leaders who do not represent their values.
Reflection of Public Will: High voter participation ensures that outcomes reflect the true voice of the people.
Social Progress: Voting honors the struggle of those who fought for equal voting rights throughout history.
Stronger Communities: When people vote, communities tend to have governments that allocate resources more fairly and responsively
Why It Matters
What You Can Do
Pre-register to Vote: Many states allow 16- or 17-year-olds to pre-register so they are ready to vote when they turn 18.
Educate and Encourage Others: Teens can help friends and family register, find trusted information, and discuss election issues.
Volunteer: Teens can volunteer for political campaigns, participate in voter registration drives, or work at polling places (in some states at ages 16 or 17).
Advocacy: Contact representatives about issues that matter, create and share media about elections, and initiate civic projects at school or in the community.
Engage in Mock Elections: Participate in or organize mock elections to learn how voting works and why it matters.
Model Civic Responsibility: Learn about voting procedures, accompany adults to the polls, and develop habits of informed, active citizenship.