Politics are a huge part of American culture and society. Voting and elections are how the country decides who will best represent the United States and protect its people.
Although the president represents the people, teenagers do not get a direct say in elections. With the upcoming presidential election, many teens might wonder how they can get involved with politics.
There is a common misconception that teens are not interested in politics. Greta Thunberg has been challenging world leaders to enact environmental policy change since she was fifteen, and Malala Yousafzai has campaigned for women’s and girls’ education rights since she was fifteen.
Not all politics have to be on a global scale. The most accessible political station would be a local government office. Teens can contribute to politics and government no matter what party they support.
In Indiana, sixteen and seventeen-year-olds are allowed to work at the polls on election day. This is a way that teens can be involved in the election process and learn about politics and government through hands-on experience.
There are also local political parties that have meetings available to the public. Attending these is a great way to make connections, learn about politics, and find opportunities to volunteer. The Hancock County Democratic Party and the Hancock County Republican Party are some great local groups that can provide more information for Mt. Vernon teens interested in becoming more involved in politics.