Op-Ed: What voting means to me, Gen Z

Dogwood’s summer intern, Brendan Smith, shares why voting in the upcoming election is important to him.

History is unfolding before our eyes during this extraordinary 2024 US election, emphasizing the importance of voting and making sure to make your voice heard, no matter your age. Your vote matters, and the only people with the right to comment on our government are the people who actively participate in it by voting. Growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, I can remember my hometown and all of Northern Virginia being primarily Democratic cities. Politics were never off the table as dinner party discussion, and being so close to the nation’s capital means that the kids growing up in this area have always been surrounded by chatter and debates about the government on both the local and federal levels. 

Because this upcoming election is the first election that I am able to vote in, I simply cannot stress enough on how important it is for my Generation Z peers to vote. This election will impact everyone’s life for years. Donald Trump and JD Vance are advocating for a horrendous proposal known as Project 2025. Please research this to educate yourself and to get the full scope of their twisted plans. An example of one of aspect of Project 2025 includes allowing the government to tell women what they can and cannot do with their bodies. Trump also wants to dismantle Social Security and Medicaid benefits, which will directly affect our parents, grandparents, and the elderly. This, and so much more, is why it’s extremely important to vote and share your opinion in November. 

President Joe Biden stepped out of the 2024 Election race in late July and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, for President. Since then, the Harris campaign continues to fundraise at a wildly successful pace, including a record-breaking $100 million within 36 hours of President Biden’s endorsement of her to be President. President Biden, former President Obama, and many other Democrats have shown their support for Kamala Harris.  

Various news organizations keep saying that Gen Z’ers are going to make or break this election. That’s because our generation has grown up aware of serious issues like abortion rights, gun violence, and affordable health care. While we aren’t immediately concerned with cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, we’re aware that those programs could be decimated by the time we might need them. 

Everyone knows that Gen Z’ers primarily get their news from social media platforms, but it’s important that you research news sources to ensure they are accurate and trustworthy and that you are getting your news from a reliable source.