Think one voice doesn't matter? Think again. Each state's popular vote determines which candidate gets its electoral votes, which determines the presidential winner. One vote can be vital in our judicial system as well. Just look at the Supreme Court's historical decisions, many of which are 5 - 4. Had any one of the supporting justices concurred with the dissenting side, life in America would have taken a different turn: Schools could have remained segregated, and/or criminal suspects might have been deprived of their Constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present while being questioned by law enforcement.

Every Vote Matters, written by a judge and his criminal defense attorney daughter, explores why young people need to make their voices heard regarding issues in society and in their communities that they care deeply about. For example, creating a petition for something that they want in their schools, such as a Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA), can be successful. Teens and kids can write to or email their elected officials to let them know about issues in their communities that deserve attention. Reading books about activism and being involved in the student body will also help. We want and need civic-minded individuals in our democratic society, and our youth can perpetuate our freedom.

Every Vote Matters: The Power of Your Voice, From Student Elections To the Supreme Court by Judge Tom Jacobs and Natalie Jacobs, 2016

Other resources:

• askthejudge.info
• Civic Action for Kids
• itsyourworld.com
• youthrights.org
• books about voting
• books about activism