Kevin’s Journal: Younger Generations Are Getting More Involved in Our Politics Today

Younger people are finally voting, and they’re making a difference. Look at New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani and his rise to fame using social media, populist and succinct talking points, and great charisma to mesh with the fabric of NYC as a young, fresh, and bold individual.

Both political parties attempt to have you believe that the younger generation’s voice does not matter until election time. When election time rolls around, politicians continuously turn to younger generations to change the tide.

Currently, the average age of the 119th Congress is around 60 years old, and in the Senate is 64. When thinking about the leaders in these parties, an image of an older member comes to mind. It is hard to see how older politicians could have an interest in our generation when, once we get in power, the majority of them will be either dead or long into retirement.

It is our duty to stand up and speak on issues that primarily affect our generation, like gun violence, higher housing costs, and climate change.

Older generations often claim that they are best equipped to solve today’s problems. However, it will ultimately become our responsibility when they realize they cannot tackle these issues, as they are the ones who contributed to creating them in the first place.

I mean, it is silly for them to think they are the ones who can fix problems they created. It is like when the NRA and politicians say that the solution to school shootings and gun violence is to put more guns in the streets and in our schools.

Even though this seems like common sense, people in the older generations always fall for these “moderate” or “neutral” solutions instead of asking their leaders to find better and stronger solutions to our nation’s problems.

By paying attention to what the older generations vote for vs what we vote for, there is a large difference. Older generations tend to vote for their own interests, while younger generations focus on improving their communities and the overall well-being of society.

I realize that this is an overgeneralization and not every person in the older generation votes selfishly, but I do believe the older generations are the ones who continue to vote for those who allow our current system to continuously push newer ideas away.

While this is frustrating, there is time to change the minds of the older generations.

Take time to talk to your parents, grandparents, and others about why it is important to vote with younger generations in mind. We can be the ones to make a greater impact on our society.