Opinion: On behalf of future generations, a plea: Don’t leave it blank. Vote.

Michigan high school student Yasien Taher advocates for young people to use their vote to protect democracy and help create a future aligned with their values.

This November, I have the chance to participate in my first election. Though I am 16 and not quite eligible to cast a vote, I am pre-registering in my home state of Michigan and engaging with the campaigns and civic organizations, encouraging people to register, use their voice, and vote in the November elections. If I had the ability, I would absolutely get in line and cast a vote – there is no bigger responsibility that we as citizens have than to democratically elect our representatives.

When I talk to my peers and those a few years older about voting, not all of them share the same passion. In particular, I see those who identify as Democrats or progressives struggling with their options. They are still passionate about issues and want to make their voice known, but they don’t feel heard by either candidate or either party. My generation is frustrated, and it can be seen in almost every corner of our nation, from protests on campuses and movements in the streets to volumes of digital discourse. As a result, these peers are floating the idea of staying “uncommitted,” refraining from voting at the top of the ticket.

I, too, am frustrated; but the path forward does not include staying silent on Election Day. My peers and I are fighting for agency – and while these demonstrations are an important part of our democratic fabric – voting must be held as one of the most powerful tools we have to create the country and future we need.

Turnout from young voters is not a new concern, as this demographic has historically had lower voting numbers than others. In the 2016 election, 46.1% of eligible voters aged 18-29 voted as compared to 70% of those 65 and older. In the 2020 presidential election, the number increased to 55% of eligible 18 to 29 year old eligible voters. There are a number of factors that contribute to low youth voter turnout, including apathy, a sense of alienation from the political system, and distrust in political institutions.

Compare this to cultural movements like climate strikes and Black Lives Matter protests which have mobilized millions – there’s a clear disconnect as well as an opportunity to engage.

It’s not that our generation isn’t civically engaged, rather, it’s that when it comes to showing up at the ballot box in November, we aren’t seeing the impact of our action.

Polling shows that young voters could be the deciding factor in key races across the country. In fact, young voters have a MASSIVE impact! Despite lower turnout numbers than other demographics, young voters played a critical role in the last two presidential elections. In 2016, 18-29 year olds who felt uninspired by their options and either stayed home or voted third party helped Trump claim victory. And in 2020, they helped Biden win by turning out near-record numbers and skipping third-party options.

Our voice matters.

Our vote is equally – if not more – important in 2024. On issues like climate change, reproductive rights, student debt, and racial justice, higher youth turnout could swing the balance and force politicians to enact the bold policies young people are demanding in the streets. The 2024 election represents a critical opportunity for youth to translate their activism into political power. The energy and passion of the protest movement must be matched by an equal commitment to showing up at the ballot box.

But this November it couldn’t be clearer: Every. Vote. Counts. And for my peers, a demographic that already struggles when it comes time to vote, refraining from voting for one of the two major party candidates could have devastating consequences.

Some of my peers have said that remaining uncommitted or even voting third party feels like the “lesser of two evils,” but I would also challenge this sentiment. Part of what our democracy is built on is the ability to organize, and as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, voters need to “think about the conditions under which they want to organize, and what conditions each candidate would create.”

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Kamala Harris and made clear she prefers to organize under the conditions of Harris presidency than a Trump one, given his desire to “to dismantle American democracy,” as she put it.

Our generation wants to hear from candidates on the issues that matter to us. We want to know how they are going to address our concerns and include us in the conversation rather than doing what they think we want to see. The answers don’t have to be perfect, I know they won’t be. But bringing us into the conversation, directly answering our questions, and including us in the political process will go a long way come November. In response, it’s our job to show up.

The time has come for young people to turn their protests into political power. Our votes have the potential to create tangible change on the issues we care about most. And, notably, voting this year will help to protect our democracy and safeguard that people like me will still have the ability to vote four years down the line. Don’t leave it blank in 2024 – make your voice heard at the ballot box and help forge the future our generation wishes to see.

Related: Michigan Voting Guide