Paris Raite believes that young voters have the capacity to bring about a transformation in Kansas politics, but they must show up to the polling stations. A picture captured by Sherman Smith for Kansas Reflector shows a voter leaving the Sunrise Optimist Club, located north of Topeka, on August 2, 2022.
Only a couple of years ago, Kansas residents had to confront a proposed state constitutional amendment that aimed to strip away the right to have an abortion and permit policymakers to outlaw the practice altogether.
The country was left in awe on Aug. 2, 2022, when Kansas made history as the very first state to vote for the protection of abortion rights post the Roe v. Wade era. Many must have been bewildered, wondering how a state that is traditionally Republican could vote in favor of abortion. The answer lies in the overwhelming support of young voters in Kansas who played a pivotal role in the decision.
Young Kansas voters played a crucial role in making the landmark election possible. The recent primary witnessed the highest turnout of young Kansans, with a whopping 130,000 voters exercising their right to vote. Their strong participation can be attributed to the looming threat of the Kansas Legislature changing the constitution and banning abortion. The message was clear – vote for your rights and bodily autonomy.
In a span of three months, there was a significant decrease in the number of primary election voters who participated in the 2022 general election. Shockingly, almost 50,000 voters chose to stay home despite the governor’s race and U.S. House seats being at stake. It’s puzzling to think that young Kansans, who were aware of their political influence, failed to show up.
Politics fails to attract the younger generation, and that’s the harsh truth. For young people residing in Kansas, the lack of representation in the predominantly older, white Legislature makes it hard to remain hopeful. The average age of lawmakers is 63, which is close to retirement. As an individual who closely monitors the Legislature’s activities, it’s apparent to me that these older politicians struggle to comprehend why young people flee the state and fail to vote.
We often encounter individuals who fail to realize that they are the ones responsible for pushing us away.
It’s disheartening to watch our elected legislators pass bills that blatantly disregard the will of the people and make voting more challenging. Adding to the frustration, some areas of the state refuse to place polling stations on campuses, making it more difficult for young voters to access the polls. Despite job opportunities, young people do not want to reside in a state where lawmakers ignore their voices and discriminate against their communities.
Dear young Kansans, it’s important to realize that we possess the ability to make a difference in our state. We hold the power to bring about positive change and improve our communities.
As demonstrated by the August 2022 vote, our collective participation in primaries can demand meaningful political change. When the younger generation in Kansas exercises their right to vote, they can significantly impact the state’s political landscape. To sustain this momentum, we must continue to actively participate in the upcoming primary and general elections.
In the upcoming election, voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for not only state representatives and senators, but also sheriffs, district attorneys, and local commission seats. This year, all of these positions will be up for election across every state. In certain areas where one political party has a stronghold, the primary election will essentially determine who secures a seat in the Statehouse.
As the 2022 primary saw a significant impact on local politics, it’s essential for young voters to take this year’s primary just as seriously.
As a voter, you hold the power to shape the issues that impact your daily life through your vote for state and local elected officials. Your decision in the Kansas Senate race, for example, could determine if the state protects bodily autonomy or legalizes marijuana. Similarly, your vote for county clerk could affect whether or not students have access to a polling location. The person you elect as county commissioner will directly impact the city you call home. Every vote counts, and every vote has the potential to create meaningful change in your community.
Local and statewide elections hold immense power in shaping our future, yet this fact often goes unnoticed. When we look back at recent major statewide races, such as the 2022 gubernatorial and attorney general contests, it becomes evident that the outcome was decided by a mere 2 point difference. If young Kansans utilize their voting power as they did in the 2022 primary, they have the potential to be the deciding force. Let us not underestimate the impact of our votes in shaping the direction of our state.
Voting can often seem like a tedious task, leading to a sense of apathy towards it. However, it is important to remember that by consistently exercising our right to vote, we have the power to bring about the changes we desire. It’s not just a hypothetical possibility – we have seen it happen before. So, let’s make it a habit to vote every year and make a difference.
Dear young voters of Kansas, let’s keep up the momentum and show up in unprecedented numbers to cast our ballots. Take the time to research and understand what’s on the ballot, engage in conversations with your peers about the importance of voting, and recognize the immense political power we hold as a generation. Let’s make our voices heard and shape the future we want to see.
