The 2020 election is in less than ten days, and over 61 million Americans have casted a ballot. This year’s election will definitely be one to remember, so it only makes sense that even students under 18 will want to help out with the election. Even if the youth cannot vote this year, that’s totally okay! There are countless other ways to help out within your community while being safe.

1. Join Babe Group.

Babe Group is a nonpartisan group that helps register voters and encourages them to get out and vote. They help citizens commit to a voting plan, and they also release reliable updates about the election. This group is mostly composed of Gen Z teenagers who want to help increase voter turnout in this year’s upcoming election. You can learn more here.

2. Sign up to be a poll worker. 

For those who are 16 and older, you can volunteer to become a poll worker at voting locations in Arizona. This job includes filling in for older poll workers who aren’t participating this year due to COVID-19. One benefit: you will be paid! Poll workers are crucial to the election process because it assists with voter registration verification and provides a smooth voter experience for all those who decided to show up. You can sign up to become on here.

3. Participate in phone-banking, writing, and texting. 

There are thousands of campaigns out there that have volunteers call, write, and text potential voters. You can host a phone-banking party: invite a couple friends over and encourage people to vote through calls. You can prepare a script and even follow up on the people you call on Election Day. Send this link to people, so they can check the status of their ballot or register to vote. Send friends and family reminders of where and when to vote before and on Election Day. Here are a couple locations near us to send:

Thunderbird Adventist Academy: 7410 E. Sutton Dr., Scottsdale 85260

Epworth United Methodist Church: 4802 N. 59th Ave., Phoenix 85033

Palm Lane School: 2043 N. 64th Dr., Phoenix 85035

Fowler School: 6707 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix 85043

Sevilla Elementary School: 3801 W. Missouri Ave., Phoenix 85019

4. Talk to friends and family.

You can also participate in family conversations about today’s current events and issues. In the week leading up to the election, figure out your family’s plan to vote, where they stand on certain issues, and even ask your parents to volunteer as a poll worker. Even if these conversations seem like they are getting you nowhere, it is better to say something rather than nothing.

I was able to speak to ACP seniors Hadi Shiban, Kayla Horn, Isabela Schroeder, and Caden Churnetski all who voted this year. They were able to give me some insight on the important of voting.

Q: What was your experience in getting registered to vote? 

Hadi: I was confused on if I was actually registered because of how easy and quick it was online.

Kayla: My experience was really good. I did at school last year. They were so helpful, and it was pretty quick.

Isabela: It was really easy. My dad helped me, and it didn’t take that long.

Caden: It was easier than expected because a social media platform sent me straight to the website.

Q: Why is voting an important responsibility for citizens? 

Hadi: Voting is one of the only ways that you can change the way you want your loved ones to live, or to be successful. And at that point, you’re smart enough to vote.

Kayla: Voting is a responsibility because not voting is not using your voice to help others. Even if you are not in danger, other people probably are, and you can help them by voting.

Isabela: It’s important because it’s our right as citizens in the U.S. This election is one of the most important ones in our history, and it’s important now for this new generation to vote and have a voice.

Caden: It’s important because it gives everyone in America the ability to express their opinion. This ability is so great because there are countries out there where people don’t get a chance to vote.

Q: Do you feel like you are doing something really important when you vote? 

Hadi: “Words will never kill, only blade.” – Mao Zedong. Talking will never change anything. Voting is the only action you need to take.

Kayla: I felt like I was doing something really important, and I was really trying to help change the world.

Isabela: Yes, definitely! Every single vote counts, especially in this election.

I encourage all students to start educating themselves on this year’s election and reaching out to others to do the same. Go, Knights!