It is time to act on behalf of the voice that lies within young adults. As teenagers about to cross the threshold into adulthood, most can see and understand the impacts of political policies in their daily lives. While the vast majority of the senior class is still under the age to vote in the upcoming midterm election on November 6th, senior Jeanie Xu has registered to vote and will cast her ballot for the first time at the nearest polling station.  

“I was pretty happy to be old enough to vote this year,” Xu said. “It’s one of the good things about getting older and adulting.”

The last day to register for the Texas midterms was October 9th. Xu turned 18 the day before, and was ready to send off her card to the nearest election office. The card just has to be documented by the mailing service before the day is over, so even a last minute sendoff matters.

“I decided to register to vote because I want to have an impact on the outcome,” Xu said, “There are many things that have happened within the past year that upset me, and that I disagree with. I want to elect someone who will use their position and power to help.”

Although one has to be 18 to register to vote, you can register when you are 17 as long as your birthday is before election day.

“I was already set on voting, but people in my classes encouraged me to take part as well.” Xu said.

The 26th Amendment of the United States Constitution denies the state and federal government from applying age, 18 and above, as an excuse to prevent voting. Xu emphasizes that one should take advantage of the freedoms provided to us in order to encourage the desired reform.

“It’s very important to go out and vote as part of our civic duty now. Each one of us has the opportunity to make changes to anything we have a problem with,” Xu said, “So why not actively participate in the cause?”

The act of voting in itself is a prominent way to kickstart the beginning of adulthood. There are many responsibilities that come with age, but the most rewarding for Xu is the one that remains significant no matter the outcome.

“Taking part in the democratic process is a rewarding experience,” Xu said. “To think one person, like myself, can have an impact in our government is very promising.”

The turnouts for the young adult demographic usually fall short, but Xu plans on deviating from this stereotype.

“My main motivation to vote is to influence the outcome so that the elected official will work to create soulutions I align with,” Xu said. “I also wanted to represent the younger population in doing this because I know that our turnouts fall short. I plan on on acting on my concerns.”