In addition to facing many structural barriers to voting, young adults also face a number of psychological barriers that keep them from participating in our democratic process. Some of these barriers include the anxiety and unfamiliarity that comes with being new to the voting process, the fact they may not self-identify as a “voter,” and that political participation just isn’t part of their everyday lives yet.
But the good news is that families can help. Research shows that discussing politics and current events with family members leads to higher scores on measures of civic behaviors, attitudes, and skills. Additional research shows that interventions that help to overcome psychological barriers to voting can improve the registration and turnout rates of young adults new to the voting process. Simply making civic engagement and voting part of your regular conversations can help make sure every member of your family takes his, her or their interest and intentions to vote and makes it a reality this fall. Talking about the political process doesn’t have to be partisan and shouldn’t be taboo, it should be celebrated!
That’s why Young Invincibles is encouraging young adults to make voting a family issue. This National Voter Registration Day, Tuesday, September 25, we’re calling on families – young adults, their own children, their parents, their grandparents, and grandfriends to:
- Share the story of their first time voting.
- Answer questions about the registration and voting process.
- Encourage each other to be voters.
- And finally….get registered!
For more information as you prepare for election day, check out these five simple steps to make sure you are ready to cast your ballot.