Politics are about more than just Instagram story reshares or awkward family dinners. In America, politics influence how we live every day, and American voters play a crucial role in our government system. Despite its importance, political apathy (a lack of interest in politics) is very prevalent in America. 

“In America, voter turnout rates are extremely low. During a presidential election year, there’s approximately a 55% turnout rate. However, in off years, it plummets to about 20%. People aren’t using their voices through voting,” AP Government teacher Amy Cooke said. 

Other developed countries have much higher rates, such as Sweden and Belgium with turnout rates in the upper 80%. As a country founded on the belief in freedom and democracy, shouldn’t we be more interested in how our government is supporting us?

In a volunteer-based survey of sixty Liberty students, 72% of respondents believe that America suffers from political apathy. 58% of respondents believe that a majority of students do not stay up to date with current events happening in the world. 

“There are so many other things going on when you’re a teenager, and you don’t quite have an understanding of how government policy impacts your life daily,” Cooke said. “In all honesty, there are more interesting things to surround yourself with.”

Despite the lack of importance that many Americans put on politics, there are ways you can become more politically active in your community as a student. Liberty’s debate club, JSA, puts a heavy emphasis on fighting political apathy and spreading awareness of important political issues. 

“Even if you are not eligible to vote, you can attend or organize protests, you can sign petitions, you can contact your representatives, and you can make change happen in any way possible,” JSA’s vice president Jeff Lin said.