Even though in most countries you cannot vote until you are 18, the voice of the youth of our world matters now more than ever.

Despite the fact that you may be too young to cast your vote, you can still uplift issues that matter to you. By informing your communities, families and friends about elections and political events dear to your heart you are already able to make a difference.

With the youth of today concerned and engaged in politics, their right to be heard is vital on a global scale.

Other issues that teens particularly care about and are worried about are the impact of climate change not only on physical but also mental health. One report states how young people want to ‘help find ways to address this with politicians, healthcare professionals, and other adults’.

The New York Times reported that when teens were asked what role they play in the fight against climate change, hundreds responded with a range of ideas which included recycling, using public transportation, reducing waste, voting for climate-friendly candidates, organising campaigns on social media, and holding fossil fuel companies to account.

During the last four years, there have been significant improvements in youth participation within politics. For example, statistics provided by Tufts University show that since the 2016 election in the United States, youth volunteering for political campaigns has increased by 33%.

On a global scale, there has also been a large rise in political participation from young people throughout the last year. In 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that “young people have become a driving force for societal change through social mobilisation – pushing for climate action, seeking racial justice, promoting gender equality, and demanding dignity for all”.

Young people are capable of anything. We can make a difference in small ways such as local political advocacy. Finding out ways you can support the candidate of your choice without a vote can be more influential than an actual ballot. So, what can you do to be a part of your country’s future?

Inform your community

Start with the people you know – your family and friends. Small conversations can make a big impact. By sparking discussions with them about their own engagement, whether they are eligible and registered to vote, you can inspire others to learn and do more in the elections that impact them.

And don’t stop there. Engage with your community and ask about their involvement in political matters while sharing with people the key events and policies that impact them. Additionally, make sure to keep yourself informed about candidates and their campaigns. That way, as you explain to eligible voters your opinions, you gain more credibility.

Utilise social media

Social media is a useful tool in connecting with people. By creating posts on platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, you can share information and reminders in a fast, effective and engaging way that is bound to be seen by those who follow you.

Ensure your content is factual, and where you are expressing a view, make sure that it highlights why you feel this way on a certain issue, campaign or candidate.

The quickest way to spread your message further is by using relevant hashtags on your posts to reach a wider audience. Contacting influencers about your particular campaign could also help with reaching more people and promoting your message.

Take action in your school

You can help shape discussions in your own school. The Teaching for Democracy Alliance outlined a checklist for schools and district leaders to help prepare students to participate in elections and voting once of age, stating that schools have an important role to play in developing students to be civically engaged and informed citizens.

Presenting resources such as this to the administration of your school could help inform the student body. This way, each student who has been taught them will be able to spread information and encourage others to further their knowledge about what they themselves can do to voice their opinions and thoughts about political events in the near future.

Use your own skill set

Find ways to spread the word about elections and campaigns in creative ways while using the best of your own skills. Think about your favourite hobbies and how you could connect these to spreading information, for example by make posters, paintings, digital art, or other digital media such as videos or posts.

Are you into music? Why not create a song about an issue that is important to you and how you think others could participate. By choosing a way to spread information while having fun you can work effectively to show people how much you care.

All in all, there are many ways through which you can have your voice heard in politics, even if you are not of voting age yet. By spreading information in your community, through social media, in your school, and in creative ways, you can make a bigger impact than you think.

Not only can you inform, but by finding campaign organisations that you find meaningful you can take part in a first-hand experience that directly contributes to your desired outcome of an election.

Never forget that even without a vote your dedication to making a change today, shapes the future of your country tomorrow.