For the past few years, young people across the country have sought to make their voices increasingly heard. And one of the most powerful ways they’ve achieved this desire is by promoting young Americans to utilize their most powerful society-impacting tool — through casting their votes in elections. 

Voting advocates say the ballot box is the most vital way anyone can make lasting changes in their country, state, and local municipalities. And among emboldened North Atlanta students, voter registration drives and voting advocacy are ongoing ways to increase the voice and societal reach of the aspirations of Gen Zers.

Junior Olivia Schramkowski has been working with two voting initiatives, “When We All Vote” and “March for Our Lives. Through these organizations, she’s doing her part to see that her peers register to vote. She said that she became motivated to get involved this way because she views the upcoming election as one of the most  important in our nation’s history. A point of emphasis on her part is letting her peers  know that they can register to vote when they hit the age of 17 and a half. “I think some upperclassmen don’t realize that they’re growing up and that they can now have a voice in what we’re doing in society,” she said. 

Schramkowski mentioned that first-time voters can register to vote through the through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website as well as through third-party sites like “Rock The Vote” and “Headcount.”  

For teens that have not reached 17.5 years old or are already registered to vote, you can help by using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to promote voter registration. 

Senior Zoe Mulqueen said she understands the importance of voting to make a change. There’s a tendency for high schoolers to feel they can have no impact on their country and it’s important that this mentality shifts, she said. “I share information with my friends that if you are voting by mail to make sure that you’re registered, and just to make sure, do it a couple of times so it goes through,” said Mulqueen.

The 2020 election presidential election is on Nov. 3, but those eligible to vote early can do so by mail. In Georgia, early voting is from Oct. 12-30, and the registration deadline is Oct. 5. Voting is crucial and can change the direction of our future. The younger generations ultimately have the power to promote positive change in society for years to come. We are the future of America, so let’s act like it — and vote like it.