Young voters should not be discouraged

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Although the Californian primaries are still counting absentee ballots, there is clear indicator that Hillary Clinton is the presumptive Democratic candidate for the presidency. This year’s presidential election is historical in so many ways, good and bad. Trump won California in a landslide, but with no one else in the race this is no surprise. But the historical amount of young voters and new voters this election year is phenomenal.

Although the Californian primaries are still counting absentee ballots, there is clear indicator that Hillary Clinton is the presumptive Democratic candidate for the presidency. This year’s presidential election is historical in so many ways, good and bad. Trump won California in a landslide, but with no one else in the race this is no surprise. But the historical amount of young voters and new voters this election year is phenomenal.

And whether or not I agree with Sen. Bernie Sanders’ policies, he has admirably brought in the largest collection of young voters that I have ever seen in my lifetime of voting. And I have never missed an election, being taught and believing that being a part of the process of our Democracy is a privilege, a right and a responsibility.

But it looks like this will carry on to the Democratic Convention in July, as Sanders is standing strong to let the party know that there are many out there that are tired of the same old politics. That being said, if Clinton takes the nominee, I do not want his supporters, especially the young voters to be discouraged in the process. The type of changes that Sanders wants to make in our government takes time. And change takes time also. This is a hard lesson for many, as we want what we want now. But it does not always work like that and that is just the hard truth in life. And being an adult, with the responsibilities that come along with it is like parenthood. You learn as you grow and learn.

What I do not want to happen is for young voters to give up just because of a loss. Losing does not always mean that the ideals are lost forever and the momentum that the young Sanders’ supporters are a clear indicator to all of America that the next generation wants change. As an adult, we have to make many decisions based on what is the best out of what we have. This is a difficult pill to swallow many times and I have to admit that I stared at my primary ballot for more than a week because I could not bring myself to check any of the presidential candidates. But I took that week, pondered the possibilities all around and made my choice. Win or lose.

I cannot stress enough the importance that our young voters continue in the process, even if the process no longer has your first choice. Dropping out because your choice did not make it shows immaturity and is nothing short of being a sore loser. With the work that I do, I see the potential in our next generation where many others think they are just slackers, out of communication with the world and their communities, but they are very wrong. This next generation is one of change, hope and determination to not make the same mistakes that their parents and grandparents have made over their lifetimes, especially when it comes to politics.

I am not saying that Sanders supporters should automatically vote for Clinton because they are on the Democratic ballot, but way the consequences between the two final candidates and make a sound decision that you can live with.

Not voting at all is not a sound decision for any person of any age. And the only way to make change is to continue to work hard for what you want to see changed and follow through all the way to the end. Do not be discouraged. Be mad, angry, and sad or any of the other emotions that come when you are so adamant about a cause, but do not give up, keep going.

Change will never happen if let a setback defeat you.