We Need To Reach Everyone Who Doesn’t Vote, Not Just The Young

It seems politicians focus more on young voters because they think there’s still a chance to reach them. Perhaps they think the rest of us are a lost cause. Or maybe they can reach the young in their places of learning in a large group so it’s easier. But I really believe we should be engaging everyone. Every non-voter wherever they may be found.

It’s difficult to get non-voters of any age interested in politics for a variety of reasons but chief in the complaints I’ve heard is the deep-seated belief that nothing ever changes and nothing can be done.

suspension of disbelief is key in my own ability to stay engaged. I have a busy life and I’ve got far more pressing things that need my time besides muddling around in politics. Instead of writing this blog, I have a laundry list of other tasks that need my attention. The question I keep asking myself is this one: “If someone like me, an ordinary person with a busy life doesn’t care, who will? If I don’t keep the faith, who will?” So I persist.

I really believe one of the most important challenges we can take on as a party is reaching out to all non-voters in every region, in every demographic. Keep trying. Keep talking. Keep thinking of ways to make that connection.

When people tell me they don’t understand politics and they think it’s a waste of time because nothing changes, I say something like this, “I don’t understand politics either but that doesn’t stop me from sticking my nose in. Maybe I’m just stubborn. The way I see it is even if there’s only one thing you care about, it’s worthwhile making yourself heard.”

And that’s truth of it. Everyone’s got at least one thing in their life that can be made better by political engagement. Whether it’s the economy, education, the environment, or even a pothole in front of your house, there’s something that impacts your life that a politician somewhere needs to know about. When you talk to other people about the things that matter to you, that one act alone has value and can get the ball rolling.