With November 5th right around the corner, Americans of all ages have entered into a fanatical era in the United States: pre-election season.

Although it can often be confused with the post-election season, the pre-election time period typically brings about anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future of the land of the free. Factors like daily polls and predictions, door-to-door campaigning for local elections, and extremely biased and often angry news packages are subject to causing commotion.

These added stressors tend to impact those who often indulge in the media, especially in a time of mass digital consumption. As the youngest generation of voters out there, Gen Z has grown up in an online era, with hopes to have their opinions represented through both state and national forms of government in this election.

In recent years, studies have shown that younger voters (ages 18-24) tend to have the lowest voter registration stats. In addition, those who registered to vote often disregard their duty as citizens and fail to show up to the polls. However, how much of a difference does voting actually make?

Well, to begin with, all policy passed through the government affects each of our individual lives. Whether this means factors like inflation and taxes, or issues like abortion and climate change, it’s important to keep in mind that all decisions, big or small, can change what we know today. Therefore, each individual vote has the ability to affect not only the community we may live in now, but also the United States as a whole. So, why not vote?

Back in 1971, the minimum legal age that someone could vote was lowered to 18, a right that had previously been reserved for anyone 21 or older. This decision quickly sparked controversy though; those who supported the change argued that someone shouldn’t be drafted to war before they could vote to change who’s in office, and those who opposed it insisted that the younger generation didn’t have enough wisdom or experience to cast an educated ballot.

This debate has continued on for over 50 years, and even today it’s a difficult conversation topic. How can Gen Z properly educate themselves to vote with reason and logic, despite having a lack of “real life” experience? How will we be able to prove that we aren’t just an ignorant, individualistic, and emotion-driven generation? The answer, as you might be able to guess, is actually at our fingertips.

For those of us who just turned 18, or anyone who was born from 1997-2012, our first time voting can be a nervous experience. Various factors have shaped our opinions since we were young, like where we were raised, our families’ values, and what we have been exposed to.

In some ways, it may feel like we need to conform to the beliefs of those we are surrounded by, whatever they may be. But in reality, casting a true and honest vote should come from what we see out of each candidate and their ability to create impactful decisions that will benefit not only ourselves, but our nation and the greater good.

“It’s really exciting, especially with how close this election is,” senior Sofia Salum said. “I would go with my mom when I was younger to vote, and knowing that I can do it myself is really exciting.“

Early voting is a great way to relieve yourself of Election Day worries. Typically, you can vote as early as October 21st, about 2 weeks ahead of November 5th. Head to one of 33 early voting locations in the Miami-area from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and reduce stress knowing that you’ve already made your decision.