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Civic Engagement
As we approach the November 3 election, we have an opportunity—not simply to encourage people to vote—but to build a culture of active civic engagement.
One of the most powerful things we can do is talk with family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and young people. Ask questions that invite conversation such as what matters to you and what concerns do you have for the future? Have respectful discussions with people who may see the world differently. The goal isn’t to tell people how to vote. It is to listen, provide reliable information, and help people connect their concerns to civic participation.
Designate a circle of five, eight, or 10 people and commit to reach out before November 3. Your target could be someone who rarely votes or someone who is discouraged or overwhelmed by political information. It could be someone who has lost faith in government, worries that his vote doesn’t count, or a young person voting for the first time.
Don’t try to convince them how to vote. Help them understand why participation matters. And don’t stop with one conversation. Follow up. Ask whether they know what is on the ballot and whether they have a plan to vote. Bring someone with you to vote who has stopped believing that their voice matters.
Young people need to hear that democracy is not something that happens somewhere else or only during presidential elections. Nearly 50 million young people ages 18-29 are eligible to vote in the upcoming election, according to Circle, a research organization focused on youth civic engagement at Tufts University. These young voters, or Gen Z, have the potential to influence election results and make their voices heard. They are creating and leading movements for social change. Young voters are particularly concerned about the influence of corporate and wealthy interests in politics according to a survey Circle conducted with the nonprofit When We All Vote. Many also want changes to the political system, including reforms involving redistricting, the Electoral College, and the Senate filibuster. In the survey, 29% said they would participate more if they felt their vote and voice mattered.
Lack of information is a big obstacle to participation. Young people may not know how to register, where to vote, what offices are on the ballot, who the candidates are, where they stand and how to evaluate political information. As League members, we have the information to share.
We also can ask meaningful questions. What would you like to change? What issues affect your life? What kind of country and community do you want to live in 10 years from now? Would you consider volunteering, attending a local meeting, contacting an elected official, or working on an election?
That approach treats young people as citizens with legitimate concerns rather than as a demographic that simply needs to be persuaded to vote. The goal should not be persuading young people to vote this year but to help them become lifelong, informed participants in democracy.
In Indiana’s May 2026 Republican primary for State Senate District 23 near Lafayette, the Republican incumbent survived a challenge by just three votes. A recount was conducted and the Indiana Supreme Court ultimately ruled for the incumbent. This is a potent illustration for voters heading into the midterms. In close elections a single vote can matter.
Democracy doesn’t mean my side wins. It means that people with whom we disagree still have rights. Democracy means accepting legitimate results and the right of people to speak, organize, protest and participate.
Election Day is not the finish line; it should be the start of a lifetime habit of voting.
--Beverly Tuck
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