By ALEXIA KADOTA-BROWNER
On the first day of early voting, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan organized a non-partisan youth initiative to encourage young voters to come out to the polls.
The event was held outside the offices of the Nassau County Board of Elections in the form of a press conference. Featured were millennial and Gen Z guest speakers to encourage those of voting age to get out and vote whether early or on November 3rd.
Millennials and eligible Gen Z voters combined make for a very large voting bloc. Lafazan said, “Our movement is one led by our own peers.”
Lafazan’s inspiration to foster youth voting stems from his observations of the political process during his adolescence. Lafazan said, “Growing up, I was frustrated by politicians who would speak about empowering the next generation, but never actually empowered them or gave them the microphone. That is why I was grateful to have so many young speakers directly addressing members of their own generation.”
As a millennial himself, Lafazan finds it crucial to get young people involved in politics in any way possible. He said, “At 26 years old, I am the youngest legislator for Nassau County. As a role model for my generation, I find it important to urge young people all across Long Island to exercise their right to vote and get to the polls.”
Lafazan’s event featured speakers from Minority Millennials, NextGen Long Island, Young Long Island for Justice, Nassau County Youth Council, and the SUNY Student Assembly.
Hicksville High School sophomore and speaker Pratiksha Malayil represented the Nassau County Youth Council. She said, “There were a lot of powerful and influential speeches made, and I was proud to be the youngest speaker at the press conference. Even though I can’t vote yet, it was important to encourage those who can vote because it makes a huge difference in our democracy.”
As Malayil, pictured center, is too young to vote, she understands the struggle of young people who want to be more involved in the election. However, she notes that there are many ways that minors can still make an impact. She said, “Be sure to remind your friends and family of voting age to go vote. Every vote counts!”
Malayil recognizes that many voters feel disenfranchised. She said, “Don’t pay attention to the cynicism and the idea that your vote doesn’t matter.”
Since the pandemic has turned Election Day 2020 into an election season, many Long Islanders have chosen to vote early. College student and first time voter Max Baboumian from Carle Place cast his ballot as an early voter. He said, “I came out to vote because I am unhappy with the current state of politics.”
Baboumian is adamant that voting matters. “Now more than ever, voting is important to determine the future of the country,” he said.
If you are of voting age, the JerEcho encourages you to make a plan and go vote, or remind your friends and family to head to the polls. There are 3 options to vote: absentee ballot, in-person early voting between October 24th and November 1st, and in-person voting on Election Day, November 3rd.