In 1972, 18-year-olds were given the right to vote. While young voters have been under-represented at the pools since then, young Americans have been voting in increasing numbers in recent years. As the nation’s second-largest voting base, they are poised to make a big impact.

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), an estimated 31% of eligible people ages 18 to 29 voted in the 2018 midterms, up 10 percentage points from the 2014 midterms. In the 2016 presidential election, when 51% of eligible millennial voters cast a ballot.

As their voter turnout continues to rise, it’s time for them to let politicians know what issues matter to them.

That’s why Otterbein is hosting Debate 2019: The Student Voice, a panel discussion for Otterbein students to share what issues matter to them, why they think the youth vote matters, and what they will look for in the October Democratic debate at Otterbein.

Debate 2019: The Student Voice

Oct. 9

2 p.m.

The Point at Otterbein, Room 140

60 Collegeview Road

INST and FYS approved.

Refreshments provided.

Open to members of the Otterbein community, the general public, and the media.

For more information, contact jhill@otterbein.edu or (614) 823-1284.