7 Questions the Average Teen has About the Upcoming Election (and How to Answer Them)

As a newly eligible voter, I know that there are a lot of questions about voting and elections that are not covered in our civics class. I’m a recent high school grad and these are questions that I’ve asked and I know my peers are asking. They range from the logistical questions such as, “How do I register to vote?” to the philosophical questions such as, “How do I stick to my beliefs in the face of adversity?”

Each will be answered here, in your guide to the upcoming election.

Does my vote matter?

Yes! Every vote matters! While a single vote does not determine the outcome in most elections, many are very close and can be determined by a handful of votes. For example, in 1981 Bernie Sanders had decided to retire from politics. He was disheartened by the extensive tally of his election defeat, but a friend and confidant convinced him to try one last time- and run for mayor. Then 40-year-old Bernie Sanders won the mayoral race in Burlington, Vermont by only 22 votes. Burlington was the most liberal city in Vermont at that time, a factor which benefitted Sanders’ campaign. He ran against the longstanding incumbent mayor, Gordon Paquette, who had garnered support from both sides of the aisle. These few votes determined not only the outcome of this election, but allowed for Bernie Sanders, who had previously given up all hope of ever winning an election, to become a nationally recognized contender for the President of the United States. So even though it isn’t likely that your vote will choose who wins an elections, it has happened and will happen again.

If I don’t like either candidate should I still vote?

President Bartlett said it best in Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing, “Decisions are made by those who show up.” This philosophy does not only apply to national elections, but state and local ones too. In fact, people are more affected daily by their state and local leaders than they are by the President of the United States. Don’t forget that there will be offices other than President on the ballot this November.

Research the policies that the candidate espouses and see if they stick by them. Even if you are not partial to the individual, it is important that their stances on policy issues align with your own. An alternative option is to cast your ballot for a third party candidate. Additionally, you could submit a write-in option, allowing you to write the name of an individual whose name does not appear on the ballot. Both of these options do not typically garner much support, but they allow  your voice to be heard if the candidate reflects your views. So although you may not feel inclined to vote for either candidate in an election, you lose the right to complain about the outcome if you do not show up.

What do I need to do in order to vote in November?

As long as you are an American citizen who will be 18 by the date of the election, you are eligible to vote. You can register to vote while you are still 17, as long as you will be 18 before the election occurs. If you haven’t registered yet, you can click here to do so. Keep in mind that eligibility criteria vary in some states so be sure to research it. You must register to vote before your state’s voter registration deadline. To find the deadline for your state click here. Set a reminder! Do not forget to vote on Tuesday, November 8th.

What should I do if my parents and friends want to vote for one candidate and I want to vote for a different one?

Don’t allow yourself to be peer pressured into voting for a candidate that you don’t support. This is probably your first chance to really participate in the political process and to influence the outcome of an election. This November you will be casting your vote, so make sure that your decision reflects your beliefs, not those of your neighbors, parents, or friends. They have their own vote to support whom they please and it is your duty as a newly eligible voter to do the same. Make an informed decision but know that ultimately it is your decision that must be cast on Election Day.

How do I vote while I am away at college?

Fill out an absentee ballot before the date of the election and mail it to your polling place back home. Or register to vote in the state where you go to college. For many states, you must apply for an absentee ballot and provide the reason that you are not able to vote in person. However, these guidelines vary between states, so be sure to research your state to see if the same process applies.

If you already know who you want to vote for, then get it out of the way with early voting! According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, early voting can begin “as early as 45 days before the election, or as late as the Friday before the election. The average starting time for early voting across all 34 states is 22 days before the election.” For early voting, a time and a place is designated prior to the date of the election and voters cast their ballot in person without a needed excuse.

How do I develop strong political beliefs?

As a young adult, it is difficult to form your own beliefs. Up until now you have most likely been led to believe one way by your parents, peers and teachers. College (and even high school) is the perfect opportunity to discover what it is that you believe and are passionate about. If you already have an idea of your beliefs, this is the time that you can explore the varying viewpoints of those around you. This is often the time when your beliefs are tested. Those around you won’t necessarily agree with your views and it can be very difficult to stand strong in your convictions when everyone is telling you that you are wrong.

So what do you do? Study. Read on your own. Find people that you respect and ask questions. Discover groups that care about political activism and share similar beliefs, whether those are religious groups, environmental groups, or your campus Republicans or Democrats. Surround yourself with like-minded people who share your core beliefs and will support you. This does not mean that you are completely cutting yourself off from those whose opinions are different than yours, but instead, you are supporting your beliefs and listening to those around you. When you are placed in a situation where your beliefs are questioned, you are able to support them and stand strongly beside your convictions.

How do I stay friends with people who disagree with me?

Interact with people who differ from you. Yes, you read that correctly. You should not agree with everyone that you spend time with. Allowing others to share their different opinions allows you to grow as an individual.

Learn from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Scalia, who was known for his strong opinions but close friendships with those with whom he disagreed. As Susan Engel, former law clerk to Justice Scalia said of him: “He was able to separate ideas from people. Understand a person’s moral framework before you argue with them. He could critique from his own point of view but also point out inconsistencies in their own philosophy.”

After his death, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was often his opponent on the bench, stated, “From our years together at the D.C. Circuit, we were best buddies. We disagreed now and then, but when I wrote for the Court and received a Scalia dissent, the opinion ultimately released was notably better than my initial circulation… It was my great good fortune to have known him as working colleague and treasured friend.”

We have important decisions to make this fall. Equip yourself to be an engaged, responsible teenage voter. Do your research, register to vote, dialogue with your friends and family. You can do it!