Howdy, y’all:

Ring the alarm because we are less than ten weeks from Election Day!

We know that you and your peers are eager to raise your voices this fall (which we high-key love!), but we also know that people under 30 remain deeply underrepresented in our electorate. There is a huge disparity in voter turnout based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic standing, and educational background. In fact, 22% of young people didn’t register to vote because they simply didn’t know how. 

What’s even crazier is that the votes of young people have the potential to decide dozens of key elections this November. States like Arizona, Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania all have Senate and Governor races where young people have the highest likelihood to influence results. You can check out even more key races here. 

So, all this to say that your voice–and vote–is critical to claiming our democracy. When you register to vote (which you can do here!), and know who–and what–is on your ballot this fall, you have the power to enact change directly at your fingertips!

We’re eager to hear from YOU about what’s on your mind this election season. Whether it be student loan forgiveness, reproductive rights, gun safety, or mental health, we want to know what pressing issues matter the most to you. When you share with us what you’re thinking about at the polls this fall, you’ll be entered to earn a $500 scholarship. 

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

These DoSomething members know that stretching your civic muscle takes practice. They’ve taken our Civic Leadership Personality quiz and are letting us know what’s on their mind this election season, as well as how they plan to use their unique personality to make an impact this November! 

“This election season, I am really excited to finally be able to vote and have a say in the people and ideas I feel strongly about. Being a first time voter, it was really important to do my research on the candidates and their specific views and if mine aligned with them,” said DoSomething member Michael E., 18. “Voting in the midterm was a big deal for me because I was proud to have a small part in a big decision. Regardless of who people agree with or vote for, I feel it's important for everybody to have a voice and opinion. I plan to use my personality and power to stand up for the rights and people I believe in. Power is defined as the ability to do something in a particular way. That leaves a broad range of possibilities and ideas to get people involved. Whether that's me reposting an issue I feel strongly about or even just showing up on election day to vote, I think that's impactful enough.”

“Abortion rights, student loan forgiveness, inflation, and living wages are on my mind this election season. Since I got the presidential result on the civic leadership quiz, I will encourage everyone in my life to vote,” said DoSomething member Gillian M., 23. “Then, I'd help educate those around me on certain topics if necessary and do as much research on prospective candidates as possible.”

“I personally believe that there are not enough voters going around nowadays. There are not enough rallies, not enough support, and not enough voting literacy for everyone to have the opportunity to vote. I plan to use my personality to encourage my followers to vote, and also encourage them to encourage others to vote. I plan to spread the importance of voting, and I also have/will participate in voting drives to make sure people have all of the necessary resources to vote! I come from a family that doesn't participate in voting, which makes it that much more important for me to get others to see the benefits of voting and getting your opinions heard,” said DoSomething member Brandon C., 20.

With midterm elections rapidly approaching, NOW is the moment to join Michale, Gillian, and Brandon! Learn about your civic leadership style and role in making democracy work for you. And of course, register to vote!

FYI…Primary elections are already underway. Check out this week’s primary election voter registration deadlines and important election dates below! 

• Massachusetts
  • Primary election: September 6 (Today!)
• New Hampshire
  • Primary voter registration deadline: September 7
  • Primary election: September 13
• Delaware, Rhode Island
  • Primary Election: September 13 

This week (September 4 – 10) is National Suicide Prevention Week. Let’s use this week to remind ourselves that it’s okay not to be okay, and that prioritizing our mental health is always the cool thing to do. You can always check out our diverse mental health resource hub for extra support.

Upcoming opportunities….a few of our friends are hosting some sweet opportunities and events in the coming weeks. Check them out below!

• All Vote Note Play
  On September 13th, All Vote No Play is hosting the Engage Athlete All-Star Meeting. Inspiring leaders like Stephen Curry, Demario Davis, Tara VanDerverr, and Condoleezza Rice will be interviewed by student athletes from around the country to talk about how and why they use their influence, power, and platform for impact. Register today! 
• The Power of Student Organizing
  Join for a student organization training session on September 17th from the H.E.A.L Together Coalition. Learn from students at youth-led organizations across the country about how they came together to build youth movements and how you can build youth power within your community. Register today! 

Fastweb

New Scholarships Alert!

Vocational, Technical & Trade School Scholarships

CollegeXpress

Fall is here! Cue the pumpkin spice lattes, apple orchards, and hayrides! Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving away a $500 scholarship (plus a $100 coffee shop gift card) through September 30!

Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer one question to be entered: What is your favorite fall flavor or treat?

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