Voting is one of the most impactful ways to participate in Youth in Government and help shape its future. It matters because of many reasons:
Voice and Representation: Voting gives delegates the ability to choose who represents the things delegates like and want to see happen.
Power in Numbers: While one vote might seem small, elections are often decided by very narrow margins. When more people vote, it gives a better voter turnout for their delegation.
Policy Influence: Elected officials make decisions about how the conference runs. Voting gives people a role in choosing those who most closely align with their beliefs and priorities.
Civic Duty: Voting is a responsibility for members of YIG. It is a way to honor the privilege to vote because there are many places in the world that have limited or no voting rights.
Create Change: For those who are unhappy with how the conference is run or leadership, voting is one of the most powerful and direct ways to push for change. It is a chance to shape the future of YIG that people want to see.
Voting is open 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. at the hotel, and 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. at the Capitol. Delegates tell their name to someone at the counter to get their voter receipt and exchange it for a ballot. After voting, delegates get a voter sticker.
For assistance in knowing about candidates, a voters’ guide is available on the YAPP. It includes information on all the candidates.
What exactly does the voting committee do?
The voting committee spends time organizing the voting process to make it possible. “Fridays, it’s a lot of making sure candidates are following election rules, and making sure elections are fair. [Saturday] we get to hand count ballots and be the first to know the results. You have to be organized and willing to work with others, and be flexible. We often work outside of program area time, for example, counting ballots at 10 p.m.,” said Katherine Bixby from the Wayzata delegation. Everyone in the committee and people throughout all program areas encourage everyone to vote, because elections are a huge step to change.