This recent election was a particularly big one, considering that this was the first time many members of Generation Z were able to vote, and there were many big policies at stake.

Notably, in our most recent election, raising the California minimum wage and bonds for public school and college facilities were voted on. Measure C, which would give money to Chico schools for updated facilities and equipment, is one of the big policies being voted on locally. There are also many things surrounding education and our schools that will be affected by the presidential election, such as the funding given to public schools.

In the 2024 election, voters under the age of 30 made up around 14% of the ballots that were cast. There was a voter turnout of around 42% for voters ages 18-29.

“Policies are going to be made regardless, so you may as well have your opinion and your voice heard when those decisions are being made…I feel like it’s important for voices, especially young voices, to be heard and for our opinions to be shared.” MK Kidd (12) shared.

Rights regarding Medicaid, reproductive care, and immigration policies are still at stake. These things may affect you and those around you more than you know. Even if an issue does not affect you directly, it may impact your loved ones. It’s important to use your voice for those who can’t or are too afraid to.

Recently, students have been protesting against book bans and for better school safety and more regulation of firearms. Protests against book bans and media censorship in schools have helped to undo book bans. Youth are being active and using our voices for things that matter to us, seeing this brings me hope. Often, students forget how much of an impact we can have.

It is very important to remind your peers to use their voices. So often we get stuck in a cycle of complaining about policies without doing anything about it. Once you are 18 you can vote in elections, and even before you turn 18 there are many ways you can be an activist. You can
spread awareness and educational resources, go to protests, use your online and social media presence for good, pre-register to vote at 16, and maybe even write an article for your school’s newspaper are great ways to use your voice for change. Just because you are young doesn’t mean you can’t use your voice. Silence is never the answer.

You are never too young to start speaking up. Whether it be writing a letter to the principal about unfair school policies, or attending a protest. You are never too young to be an activist for what you believe in. So often young people are held back by the thought that they will never be taken seriously, however, the only way to start being taken seriously and have your opinions heard is to start speaking up.