Eleven thousand voters turn 18 every day, according to the Future Coalition, a national network of youth-led organizations and initiatives. It’s those newly eligible voters, and others comprising the notoriously unlikely-to-vote 18-24 age group, that are the focus of #WalkoutToVote, an epic peer-driven initiative determined to get the 2018 youth vote out at a level the nation has never seen before.
On November 6th at 10am, students in high schools and colleges across the country will walk out of class and march to the polls to cheer each other on as those eligible cast their votes. By bringing together young people across communities, issues, and organizations, we will ensure young people show up to the polls in record numbers and send a bold message to politicians and the country that young people are unified in our demand for change. Even if students aren’t old enough to vote, they are still encouraged to lead and participate in the walkout to help make our message heard.
In a powerful video produced with NowThis and published to social media on November 1, Katie Eder, an organizer with the Future Coalition, explains the importance of this effort.
Kids may only be 25 percent of the nation’s population, but we are 100 percent of the future.
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In the past, young people—the demographic between 18 and 24—have shown up to the polls in the smallest percentage of any demographic. So Walkout to Vote’s goal is to really make sure that young people are showing up to the polls in record numbers.
We’re the only age group where the results of this midterm election are going to affect us in 60 years. And we want to make sure that we’re safe, and that we’re free, and that our children are safe and free from climate change and gun violence.
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We’re inviting students, no matter where they live, whether they live in a city, or in a rural area, or in a suburb, whether they go to a public school or a private school, or they’re home-schooled or they don’t have school—everyone can participate on Election Day.
As of the video’s release, over 500 walkouts had been scheduled.
The #WalkoutToVote coalition includes the Parkland-survivor-led March For Our Lives; the Youth Empower arm of the Women’s March; the Orange Generation; and the folks at National School Walkout, along with many, many others. The invitation is inclusive: Even those not eligible to vote are encouraged to join the party and cheer their voting friends on. The goal is to surround youth voters with vocal support, while raising visibility for young people who are breaking the mold and exercising their vote in 2018—and beyond.
It’s a pretty badass movement, if you ask me (nobody asked me). But I’m not the only one who thinks so. Hillary Clinton reached back to her 2016 “Make a Plan” messaging to lend support and share the initiative’s video.
Tip: Watch the video!
Snoop Dogg declared his support for a day off to vote.
Twins, musicians, and activists Tegan and Sara acknowledged the power of the movement.
Seattle Seahawks coach and former University of Southern California coach Pete Carroll hasn’t forgotten his years leading college students to victory.
Members of this group of famous faces are even upcycling this brilliant voter registration video in order to remind young folks to Walkout to Vote. Sure makes me think about my first time—how ‘bout you?
Find out more about #WalkoutToVote right here. Educators, this might be particularly useful for you! It’s not too late to support the initiative in your neck of the woods and spread the word with your social media footprint.
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