Question: The youth of America are directly affected by the decisions made in Washington, yet since we are too young to vote, we have no say in what those decisions are. What are your plans to help the youth of America have our voices heard by our government?
Submitted from Alexis of Santa Monica High School through Santa Monica High School (10/27/00)
Answer from John Hagelin:
A Vitally Important Vote
Remember, the only wasted vote is a vote for a candidate you don't want.
Years ago, the national voting age was reduced from 21 years old to 18. This presented an incredible opportunity for young adults to be heard. Unfortunately, however, only 11 percent of eligible students voted in the 1998 elections. As a result, politicians have not spent much time in this campaign courting the youth vote, or listening to youth concerns.
Therefore, it is vitally important that every eligible 18-year-old register to vote, and that every eligible young adult vote on November 7th. And it its vitally important that they vote their conscience. If you vote for the lesser of evils, you get the lesser of evils. If you support the political duopoly, you perpetuate the political duopoly. In a duopoly, where there is no competition, the Democrats can -- and do -- take the youth vote for granted. And they take the Black vote for granted. With no competition, they take us all for granted.
Every Hagelin vote is a precious vote, because it sends a wake-up call to Washington. It says, loud and clear, that we demand foundational reforms in the way we heal our sick, fuel our cities, grow our food, educate our youth, and resolve conflicts at home and abroad. Only if we vote for the ideas and candidates we truly believe in will these ideas be taken seriously -- will they be embraced by the political establishment.
Remember, the only wasted vote is a vote for a candidate you don't want.
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