Voting is a large part of being an American citizen, but what about the millions of people who are too young to cast their votes? 

The election still affects them, but they do not have a direct effect on the outcome. 

As the presidential election came to its peak last week, and the country came to a verdict, there were millions of voices who were not heard because they were too young to fill in a deciding bubble. 

This election has a special effect on young people, as there are many interests in question. 

One unique one is college and the ability to receive financial aid. 

“I will be heading into college and the results directly impact me, financially and emotionally.” says NECC and Sanborn Regional High School Student, Nina Pelosi, who recently started applying to colleges. 

Pelosi was just weeks shy of being able to vote but was ultimately too young. 

The outcome of this election will effect everyone in the U.S., but many people had a part in deciding the outcome. As someone who was too young to vote in this election, I have a lot of feelings about the outcome. I have to live with the decisions of others, that I have no real say in. 

“I felt scared of the outcome but at the same time, angry seeing a lot of uneducated voters voting on a whim while I had educated myself and I didn’t have the ability to act on that education to make a difference.” says another dual enrollment student, Joe Borgesi. 

The sentiment of education seems to be shared among other teenagers in school who are not yet able to vote. 

“I feel like as a kid in school I am more well informed on the election than most.” said Jake Pitre, another NECC and high school student. Pitre is in the pursuit of higher education, as he, among my other two interviewees, are in the process of applying to colleges. 

As someone who is too young to vote myself, I was fearful for the outcome of election night. Both parties have policies that I might not agree with, but one side threatens my daily life and freedom. 

“The worst part about not being able to vote in this election is that I knew the outcome…could directly affect (in a negative manner)  my day to day life as well as the people I love,” said Borgesi. 

It seems unfair to think about the negative consequences so many will have to life with, when they did not have the opportunity to voice their thoughts.

The fact that people under 18 cannot vote does not mean that we do not try to voice our opinions. 

There are still other ways to make sure your voice is heard, but these ways are not nearly as accessible as casting a ballot. “

Young adults aren’t really taught to do that (how to talk to others about voting),” said Pelosi. 

As a young person, you can always discuss your views with others, and even phone bank and canvas locally. 

Just because you cannot vote, does not mean you do not have a voice. 

As someone who was too young to vote, but not too young to be able to ignore the consequences of this election, the only thing to do now is focus on what can be done in the future. 

Always make your voice heard, no matter your age or voting status.