While I can’t speak for every member of my generation, the upcoming presidential election has certainly instilled some degree of fear and uncertainty in each of our hearts. For many of us, this is the first time we can vote for the Commander in Chief.
However, caught in between the extremes of two candidates and their vastly different parties, many members of Gen Z feel apathetic about actually getting out to the polls. Either outcome seems uncertain and unfavorable, so what does it matter if we sit this one out?
After all, it feels like the only way political campaigns are trying to reach us is through meme culture. As social media and the dinner table become increasingly inflated with conversations surrounding policy and inflation, our minds begin to cloud with worry about the future. What effects will this election have on the job market? How will we pay for our lives? What will the world look like in four years?
Dear Gen Z (including myself), even if you don’t feel like it, your voice matters. You have a say in our future.
As headlines and current events grow increasingly “unprecedented” (the word describing our entire lives, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and Apple Vision Pro), realize the weight of your words and the value of your voice. Your impact can go far beyond the ballot box.
During the tumultuous road to November, don’t let the day’s changing headlines steal your anchor. Voting is a privilege few individuals throughout history have had access to, and complacency is not a valid excuse to disregard democracy.
Take the time to find an absentee ballot or change your voter registration if you attend college or live outside of your hometown. Invite your roommates or peers to carpool with you to the polls and grab dinner afterward.
November 5 is not the only day you are a citizen of the United States. Not everyone needs to be a political activist – believe it or not, politics are not the only thing in life – but especially in this season of uncertainty, we all need to be informed, engaged, and active participants in our future, if not for those who will come after us, then at least for the grocery and gas prices we know are dipping into our savings accounts.
Engage empathetic conversations
Remember that people always underlie politics. Behind every political issue you oppose or support are real people with real stories. You are going to encounter those you disagree with, but you can play a role in positive change by engaging in empathetic, instead of defensive, conversations.
Ask open-ended, non-leading questions of your peers with the genuine motivation of knowing their hearts. Give space for others to share their life experience and their passion behind a certain political platform before casting judgment and delivering biting remarks.
Humbly yet firmly share what you believe and the causes for which you deeply care. When we begin to see each other as people, not as parties, we remember we share this nation. Their future is our future, too.
Be ready to research
Before you share that graphic on social media, take the time to research its origins. Far too often, our well-intended peers share misinformation that only serves to further political divides, draw partisan lines, and give room for unhealthy debate. Remember the wildfire of rumors that Jimmy Carter died? As of right now, he’s still alive.
Directly visit political candidates’ websites or videos of their words to understand their perspective on certain issues. Don’t always rely on well-intentioned misinformation from X users or Instagram Reels. The very real presence of artificial intelligence makes it all the more important to do your own research as you seek to share your beliefs and stand guard against internet schemes.
Beware political rhetoric and intentionally select each word you say regarding politics, particularly the “us vs. them” mentality. Who is the “us” you are referring to? Who does “them” refer to? When you say “we,” are you referring to “we the people” or “we,” a particular selection of we the people?
(Un)chronically online
That being said, social media can be a useful, educational tool that connects us with our peers across the country. However, monitor its effects on your mental health. If an abundance of election headlines only seems to stoke your worry, take a break. Go outside, read a book, or take care of yourself with something fun and restful far from the realm of politics.
You aren’t missing out on anything if your screen time decreases. In fact, you’re giving yourself more time to stop missing out on your actual life and enjoy the people and places around you.
Persevere with perspective
Above all, persevere with perspective. Even if it doesn’t always seem like it, God is in control of November and beyond. He holds our future (Jeremiah 29:11), and His plans are for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).
We can respect whoever is elected while remembering we serve a God far greater than any earthly leader. If He is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?
My prayer for this generation is that we learn when to speak and stand up for justice while also learning to sit with one another, seeking one another’s hearts with empathy, compassion, and an abundance of love.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about where the next four years will take us, but I know who holds tomorrow. Eternity is in His hands.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Pray for our nation. Pray for your neighbor. Pray for our leaders. Pray earnestly for peace, unity, and hearts turned to a loving God who longs for us to draw near to Him.
I end with this benediction.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
