Voting values

With elections only a month away, the political circuit is abuzz with all the latest campaign rhetoric. Every candidate is pushing the next best “five-point-plan”
to flourishing freedom and an extraordinary economy.

Naturally, nearly every citizen seems instinctively excited about the possibilities ahead. After all, we have lived through a dismal season of floundering freedom and exhausting economic failure. Nevertheless, the moment we become excited about these fantastic campaign promises, we are immediately reminded that all too often these so-called promises are nothing more than a desperate effort to wrangle a seat on Capitol Hill.

I do not write this to keep you from the polls. In fact, I am arguing for the exact opposite.

There is a level of marketing that comes with every campaign. However, I do not think that is always the heart behind the efforts of each candidate.

We have an obligation to wade through the candy-coated campaigning and discover what it is that these candidates running for the Senate and the House of Representatives truly believe.

In this midterm election, our millennial generation will be setting the trend for the future of politics and governance in the United States. President Barack Obama’s leadership is really the first administration we, as young people, have been cognizant of, and now we have the opportunity to decide whether this is the direction we want to continue to move in or if we want to change course.

“Young people need to vote,” American actor Nikki Reed said. “Every vote counts. Educate yourself, too. Don’t just vote. Know what you’re voting for and
stand by that.”

Each election gives us the opportunity to give voice to our values. This midterm election gives the younger generation the chance to tell Washington how we want public policy — both economic and social — to be shaped.

This season, decide what it is you value. Reach past the façade that covers each candidate and understand what it is they truly prioritize. Find the candidate that you most align with, and send your voice to Congress.

GOINS-PHILLIPS is the opinion editor.