In 2020, I came across a startling statistic. In Greenwich alone, the population of 18 to 35-year-olds is approximately 13,000. 8,400 of these millennials are registered to vote and 3,000 of those who were registered never used the power of their vote. The gravity of these statistics weighed on me as I watched my daughter graduate high school. She was embarking on her journey to join the public sphere while carrying insecurity in her voice and her vote. I was inspired to do something about it.
I tried to understand why civic engagement among millennials was strikingly low by putting myself in my daughter’s shoes. The lessons we learn in a (zoom) classroom might seem applicable until we reach the polls, registration dates, or dining room debates and we realize education does not give you all the know-how for real-life situations.. Voter education is multifaceted and complex, ranging from topics such as getting set up to vote, making informed decisions on candidates, and understanding the impact of the vote itself. Young voters are pressured to make these decisions with limited understanding of how to apply their knowledge.
Now more than ever, progress in politics seems to be full of unattainable nuance and enormity. If each individual is overwhelmed by this challenge, then participation seems impossible. To that, I raise the notion that the hardest part is simply getting started!
My Voting Power urges millennials to combat their imposter syndrome and get involved. Here, I hope to share resources on making politics accessible by instilling confidence and empowering young people to find their voices so they will be inspired to take action. I am excited to use my years of experience in the political arena to start this great endeavor and open up the conversation. I hope you decide to continue it. We are just getting started!
Talk soon,
Tony