The right to vote is and has always been fundamental to citizens of the United States since the early days of the republic. It is the foundational principle of our democratic republic and the source of the people’s power in our society. Over the years, since declaring its independence in 1776, the United States has expanded this right — granting citizens of color, women and people over the age of 18 the right to vote by the 15th, 19th and 26th amendments, respectively, to the U.S. Constitution.
However, in spite of the historic importance of voting in this country, and the battles fought throughout history to guarantee this right to all citizens, voter turnout in the United States remains very low — especially among 18- to 24-year-olds.
In the 2008 presidential election, one that drew enormous interest nationwide, especially among young voters, only about 64 percent of eligible voters actually took the time to vote. Within the 18- to 24-year-old age group, turnout was a mere 48.5 percent. In comparison, Japan and Germany — both large, democratic countries like the United States — have voter turnouts near 90 percent.
Why not here?
In past elections, eligible voters have failed to vote for a variety of different reasons, some valid and some not. Some voters have been unable to get to their designated polling location because of work, family or other scheduling conflicts. For many college students, who choose to remain registered in their hometowns, casting ballots becomes difficult — if not impossible. Others have felt disillusioned with the system, and chosen not to vote because they assumed that in a country of more than 300 million, their vote wouldn’t matter.
But now, thanks to a recently adopted amendment to the state constitution and a set of changed voting procedures, voting in the state has been made easier and simpler.
Maryland voters will no longer be required to cast their votes during a set 13-hour time period. Instead, starting today, registered state voters will be able to vote on their schedule. From Sept. 3 through Sept. 9, except Sunday, any registered voter can walk into an early voting location in his or her county between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and cast a vote in the primary election. Additionally, voters are now able to request absentee ballots online.
For college students, the loosening of voting procedures means it has now become easier than ever to vote. That means it will take less time and less effort to cast a ballot in this state. No longer can students — or anyone else for that matter — claim it is simply too difficult to vote, either because of time or proximity to where they are registered.
The onus is now on us. With less than a week and a half before Sept. 14’s primaries, it would be foolish not to take advantage of the new convenience of voting. Whether it be in-person or by absentee ballot, all young people must ensure that they vote. Because now, there is no excuse.
