Why Do I Care About Politics As A Young Person?

By: Tania Salceda

Why do I care about politics as a young person? Why should you care about politics? Well as a first generation Mexican American US Citizen I am the first in my family to even be eligible to vote. So on one hand, I am literally the voice and representation of my family when it comes to voting and deciding what causes to support. 

Additionally, I became politically active after realizing that there are many policies out there that disproportionately affect some communities over others… When policies negatively impact communities that I belong to, I am empowered to become an advocate and utilize my voice for those who cannot use theirs in a literal sense. This is why I am involved in politics, and why more young people should be involved in politics. 

We also need to be aware that being civically engaged is not solely voting for the Presidential candidates every 4 years, but also being involved and informed on state and most importantly local level elections and issues such as redistricting. Because, that is where communities are directly affected.