24 million young voters nationwide cast their votes during the 2016 election. Youth turnout in the 2018 election was by far the highest level of participation among youth in the past quarter century.

…so why are so many people voters?

Brief History of Voting Rights

The fight for the right to vote in the United States: Ted-ED Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9VdyPbbzlI

Current Voting Rights Some states permit those convicted of a felony to vote and others do not. Some states allow incarcerated citizens to vote, some after they finish probation, and in some states only a governor or court may restore suffrage. Include your state’s restrictions here. Citizens of Washington, D.C. cannot vote for U.S. Congress. Even though laws change, many barriers remain to exercising the right to vote. There are many instances of voter suppression. Immigration status is a barrier: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and undocumented residents cannot vote and permanent residents (green card holders) cannot vote in federal elections.

So why does voting matter… …to you?

Write your reflections: As a potential professional in the field of insert field here , the policies that elected officials develop impact me because __________. Why might someone take voting for granted? Or choose not to vote? Voting is an essential element of democracy because… How much do you agree with the following statement? “Being concerned with national, state, and local issues is an important responsibility for everybody.” Why is voting important: To the campus/community? To the state? To the nation? Globally/for international relations?

Create small groups 2-4 people and share your reflections. What comments surprised or resonated with you? What is the relationship between being a voter and the content we discuss in our class?