I'm voting for the first time this fall!

[lightningandsnow]

I just turned 18 in December, and, as such, I'll be voting for the first time in October. There's a municipal election going on in my city.

I have to say, none of the mayoral candidates have really caught my eye at this point, but one of the city councillor candidates in my area is amazing! She's super progressive, a social justice activist in the community, and has a great vision for the city. I also really appreciate that she's taken the time to talk to me about the issues that matter, and that she has a lot of young people working on her campaign.

Voter turnout for my age group has always been pretty low, and, honestly, I don't think it's because people my age are naturally apathetic. Quite to the contrary; I know many people my age who are engaged and politically active. The problem is that a lot of politicians simply don't take the time to engage young people. I've been brushed off by politicians before when I tried to ask them questions, presumably because I wasn't old enough to vote. Well, 16-year-olds turn into 18-year-olds, and 18-year-olds can vote. The question is, will you encourage them to?

[MineralMan]

1. Good job! If you can talk to your acquaintances of

similar age and encourage them to turn out and vote, that'll be a big plus, too.

[Oregone]

2. Don't forget to shower when you are finished