In this November’s midterm elections, the nation will have yet another opportunity to elect the officials that will help determine the course of our democracy. However, with this opportunity comes immense responsibility. Research from Harvard University’s Institute of Politics suggests that a record number of young people have registered to vote and will head to the polls this fall, with 37 percent of eligible voters under 30 reporting that they will definitely vote, a marked increase from the 23 percent who made the same claim in a similar poll in 2014.

The increase of civic engagement amongst young eligible voters is encouraging, as it will ideally mean a future of further involvement in the political process from the American public. In exchange for this opportunity, the American public has a responsibility to properly educate themselves on the issues which their candidates stand for. In a world where we are bombarded with information and news from reputable and biased sources alike, it is at times difficult to decipher truth from “fake news.”

At a time where much is at stake politically, it is essential that we elect officials who will lead justly and uphold the laws and protections that we enjoy in our everyday lives. First, determine the issues that matter the most to you. Take the time to research the candidates in your city, your county, your state. A half an hour of research can provide valuable insight towards their platforms and the issues that they aim focus on. It is also important to find this information from reputable sources. To bypass inherent bias from outside news media, many candidates have their own websites with their official statements and platforms. If a candidate has previously held public office, a look at their voting record can also provide a helpful insight into their platform. Sites such as senate.gov and house.gov provide easily-accessible voting records of all current senators and representatives.

Later in the semester, there are expected to be events designed to help students register to vote and learn more about local candidates. Events like these are a fantastic opportunity to gain information about the election that is accessible and relevant to students.

As young people, participation in the political process is essential to ensuring a future that will be beneficial for all. As voters, we have a crucial responsibility to make an informed choice this November in order to elect candidates that represent the hopes and values that we so proudly uphold.