Vote Earth
Environmentalists Are Discouraged From Voting, It’s Time For That to Change
October 13, 2022
Climate change is the most important humanitarian crisis of our lifetime, so why aren’t we showing up to the polls for it? Every generation, environmental issues have steadily risen to the top priority for young voters. Finally, they have reached a fever pitch with the majority of young people (18-29) ranking climate change in their top 3 voting issues in the last presidential election. However, despite this surge in political interest, environmentalists are routinely abstaining from participating in major elections.
In a recent report from the Environmental Voter Project, over 8 million environmentalists did not vote in the 2020 presidential election. Additionally, over 12 million skipped the 2018 midterms and over 13 million already-registered voters who care deeply about the environment are currently unlikely to vote in the 2022 midterm elections. It’s clear that a massive community of environmentalist American citizens has been discouraged from voting and taking political action to address climate change, and there doesn’t seem to be a clear cause for why. It may be one of the many reasons citizens don’t vote in general, such as having little trust in the government, not feeling represented, or simply not keeping up with politics. But voting is essential, and each one of us nationwide and across the world is a stakeholder in our environment and its well-being.
Climate advocacy organizations like the Environmental Voter Project are now taking on the task of turning these absent environmentalists into super voters, who are voters that choose to consistently participate in federal, state, and local elections. The addition of millions of super voters supporting climate legislation can permanently change the face of environmental issues in this country for the better. You too can get involved.
Are you registered to vote? Voting is one of the most powerful ways you can contribute to civic activism in this country, and learning to vote environmentally is essential to confronting the dangers of climate change. Educating ourselves and other environmentalists on the importance of voting is critical to overcoming the small voter turnout we’ve seen in the past. Vote Earth and add your voice to the conversation, to the global movement, and to the polls this year. Vote for your future and the future of those yet to come.
