This year, a seismic shift is occurring: young people are getting ready to storm the polls this November. In the seven months since the Parkland tragedy, the share of newly-registered 18-to 29-year-old voters has surged nationwide. The fastest-growing, most diverse, and most progressive voting block in the United States is joining the electoral fight.

Young people are rising up to combat the hateful policies of Donald Trump and Republicans like Bill Schuette. From fighting to restrict access to affordable healthcare or to failing to stand up for Michigan students with loan debt, Bill Schuette does not stand with young Michiganders. As this administration continues to attack fundamental rights, I am determined to fight for a more just and equal future for myself and my country. That’s why I work with NextGen America to organize young people to vote.

During Welcome Week on the MSU campus this fall, our goal was to make registering to vote as important a part of students’ back-to-school routine as moving in or buying books. We registered almost 800 students to vote on or near campus this November and we will continue working to register many more through Oct. 9. NextGen’s MSU organizers are working to make it as easy as possible to vote on or near campus this fall. 

Voting is the key to translating our generation’s immense energy into real change — and we know that when we vote, we win. This November, Washington will know a new and formidable force in American politics: the youth vote.