12 Days Out: Why you should actually vote

and how to convince your friends without sounding like a lecture

Written by young people who get people to vote for a living and have done some actual research

We’re officially 12 days from Election Day. If you’re reading this Substack, chances are you’re either the person your friends come to for advice (lucky you!), or you’re trying to convince a newly-turned-18-year-old that, yes, voting is important. We get it. Conversations about voting can be exhausting, especially in a place like Utah, where it feels like the outcome is a foregone conclusion. But when it comes to young voters, there’s a real opportunity to change the game. So, let’s get you ready to have that conversation.

"Why should I vote? My vote doesn’t matter."

Ah, the classic. First, let’s do some table setting. The idea that your vote doesn’t matter isn’t just an excuse—it’s a very real feeling for a lot of people, especially young people. As counterintuitive as it may sound, Gen Z is incredibly politically informed but very distrusting of institutions. They have spent their entire lives hearing that every election is the most important election of their lifetimes. Most of their political perspectives have been formed in the Trump era – think about it: Gen Z are aged 16-27 meaning they were between 7 and 18 years old when he announced his first presidential campaign. They have never really seen a functional Congress, a nonpartisan Supreme Court, or a non-calcified media environment. And even with the chaos and divisiveness of the Trump years aside, they’ve watched the country be in constant wars across the world, seen multiple economic collapses, and watched a coup on January 6th. So, yeah, I probably wouldn’t trust that institution either. 

I don't know who officially coined this but I have heard it said: “Voting isn’t marriage. You aren’t trying to find the one. It’s more like public transit, it’s not going to get you to your exact destination, but it’s going to get you pretty close.” It’s a chance to express the kind of world you want to live in. And here’s where values-based messaging comes in: when we vote, we aren’t just casting a ballot for a candidate—we’re standing up for the issues and principles that matter to us.

If your friend cares about human rights, environmental action, or mental health resources, their vote is a statement about those values. They may not see immediate results, but they’re helping to build the pressure needed for change. When we vote, we’re telling politicians, “Hey, we’re watching you, and we care about these things.” If enough people say the same thing, it becomes impossible for leaders to ignore. That is why we hear politicians constantly talk about Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug prices… you know, things that older – ahem, I mean, consistent – voters care a lot about. Politicians are inherently selfish actors so if we make it clear that a certain issue will affect their re-election chances, they’ll take note. Even if it feels like your individual vote is a drop in the bucket, a lot of drops eventually make a splash. Being cynical doesn’t make you smart, it just makes you cynical. 

"Why should I vote? I’m not in a swing state."

Welcome to Utah, where it feels like your vote is a raindrop in the Great Salt Lake (RIP). But guess what? The kind of change young people want to see isn’t just about who sits in the White House; it’s about who serves on county councils, school boards, and in the state legislature. And when down-ballot elections are often decided by a handful of votes—and trust us, some Utah races are literally decided by single digits—your ballot carries more weight than you think.

Not only do down-ballot elected officials have a much larger effect on your day-to-day life (you want those bike lanes, right?), but the races are historically close! Let’s go through a few examples:

• In 2016, Suzanne Harrison lost her state house race against LaVar Christensen - a far-right, anti-gay marriage Republican - by 5 votes out of 18,000

• In 2021, Monica Zoltanski won her Sandy Mayoral campaign by 21 votes out of 21,000

• In 2022, Derek Kitchen – the youngest and only out member of the state legislature at the time – lost his primary election by 61 votes

• In 2022, Clare Collard lost her state house race against Republican Anthony Loubet by 67 votes out of over 9,000

Local races are really where voting can tip the scales. Even if you think the Presidential race is a lost cause, down-ballot races could really use that boost. You might not change the world, but you can change your community - and that’s where the action happens anyway.

And if your friends don’t know who to vote for, hand them that nifty voter guide we made. We’ve done the homework, so they don’t have to (or you should do it yourself, and here’s a good place to start)

"Why should I vote? Utah is never going to change."

Utah may not be turning blue overnight, but things are shifting, especially among LDS voters under 40. Younger Utahns are more open to progressive ideas than previous generations, and there’s real momentum for change. For example, Provo, yes, Provo, swung 52 points from 2004 to 2020 in presidential elections. Not to mention, the same state that elected Senator Mike Lee has also embraced medical cannabis and Medicaid expansion. The growing number of younger, left-leaning voters is making Utah a competitive state!

Even if the immediate results don’t seem earth-shattering, every election moves the needle. When more young people show up, it sends a message to politicians and power brokers: this isn’t a state to take for granted. Showing up isn’t just about today’s election; it’s about shaping the future political landscape of Utah.

Utah voters have been caught in the ultimate apathy loop forever. It's the old “nothing ever changes, so why bother voting” thing, which—surprise—makes sure nothing changes. Amazing how that works, right? But if we can just break that cycle, get a little hope going, drum up some enthusiasm, and—dare I say it—just give a fuck for once, things might actually start to shift. 

"Why should I vote? I’m not happy about [insert big issue here]."

Being passionate about a single issue—whether it’s foreign policy, climate change, reproductive rights, or criminal justice reform—can sometimes make the act of voting feel meaningless. What’s one election going to do to change U.S. policy on Palestine, for example? But here’s the thing: voting isn’t a silver bullet—it’s one of many tools for change. Think of it as one part of a broader strategy, alongside activism, organizing, and even just talking to your friends about the issues you care about. No big movement or social justice reform happens with a single tactic; they’ve all been successful when external and internal pressures combine forces. When you vote, especially on down-ballot races, you’re helping to build a political culture where your issue gets taken seriously.

Elected officials pay attention to who shows up, and when they see a surge in voter turnout from young people or issue-focused communities, they start to take notice. The act of voting signals that your issue isn’t fringe or something to be brushed off—it’s something real that real people care about. The more people show up and vote in the name of their values, the more weight those values hold in the political arena.

"I shouldn’t vote because I don’t know enough."

Hey, that’s fair! Wanting to make informed decisions is a sign of self-awareness that plenty of people could use a little more of. Let’s be real: most folks can’t name their State Representative, and remember that 29% of Americans thought President Obama was Muslim (he wasn’t, and also, it shouldn’t matter). Even with millions of dollars poured into political ads, people are often more confused than informed.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to know everything to get started. Our advice? Start small and work your way up. Begin with local races—school board, state house, county elections—because those folks have the most direct impact on your life (we’re talking about your kid’s school, your potholes, your local taxes). Then, work your way up to the big-ticket items like Congress and statewide offices.

And if you’re feeling a little lost, here are some easy ways to get informed:

• Check out campaign websites: Most candidates will lay out their platforms, so you can see where they stand on the issues.

• Look at endorsements: Find out which organizations or people you trust are backing which candidates. It’s like a cheat sheet for voters.

• Reach out to local politicians: Fun fact—local candidates actually put their phone numbers on their websites. You can literally call them up and ask them where they stand on issues. Imagine calling a senator… they’d send you straight to voicemail. But your school board member? They would be honored to receive your phone call! 

So, start small, gather some info, and remember—you don’t have to know everything to make a difference. Just knowing a little can go a long way!

Peer Pressure (But Make it Positive) 

Two tools for having these types of conversations (from researched campaign tactics)

Values-Based Messaging - It’s about connecting the act of voting to the values that guide someone’s life. For most people, it’s not the specific policies that get them to the polls; it’s how those policies connect to the kind of world they want to live in. If you’re talking to someone who cares deeply about their community or feels a sense of duty to future generations, frame voting as an extension of that care. It’s not just about picking one candidate over another—it’s about living out your values and being part of the bigger picture. 

Social Pressure - Shockingly—social pressure works, and it’s one of the oldest and most well-tested tactics in the book. Were you shopping that Old Navy 50% off sale this week (Jackie was) and suddenly got a message that said, “Hurry! This item is in 1,234 other carts”? Or the classic “9 out of 10 dentists recommend”? Social pressure is everywhere—and it works when it comes to voting, too. Research shows that if young people know their friends are voting, they’re more likely to vote themselves. If they see people they respect talking about voting, they start to feel like it’s something they should do, too. Creating a culture where voting is the norm works better than any flashy “Rock the Vote” campaign ever could.

Of course, the opposite is true too. If your friends aren’t voting, remind them who is. The greedy landlord hiking their rent? He’s voting. The guy who thinks women shouldn’t make decisions for themselves? Yep, he’s voting, too. The lady who waters her lawn all summer while the Great Salt Lake dries up? You bet she’s casting her ballot. They’re the ones who will be picking the next leaders—unless you vote. Sitting out isn’t a neutral act; it’s a deliberate decision to let those people decide your future for you. So, why not vote and take a little control back?

Closing Thoughts

So when your friend or younger sibling asks, “Why bother?” tell them this: You don’t vote because the system is perfect. You vote to make it better. You don’t have to love the candidates; you just have to care about your community enough to make your voice heard. And remember, peer pressure can be a good thing when it means encouraging your friends to show up for what matters.

Voting isn’t everything, but it’s something—and in a world that often feels out of control, that “something” might just make all the difference.

P.S. If you believe in making Utah’s political system more representative and helping us reach more young voters, consider supporting our efforts. Even a small donation helps us do our work and change the state. Donate here. Thank you for making a difference!

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