Millennials like to talk. A lot. We are opinionated and let others know it. We write articles on "17 Ways We Should Live It Up In Our Twenties" and share inspirational essays about how we are the generation to change the world.
Yet our overwhelming enthusiasm for sharing things on social media platforms does not follow us to the most important platform of all: the voting booth.
This year's midterm elections are crucial in deciding whether the Republican party will gain control both houses of Congress. This would be a huge shift in power, but many Millennials do not realize its significance -- and the power of their vote.
Sure, you can argue that these midterm elections are not about much and yet everything at the same time. There is discussion about gay rights, immigration and foreign policy, just to name a few. But, there is not one clear-cut issue that has dominated the campaign trail.
Millennial-focused issues like finding a job or an internship upon graduation are important for us -- and we should be paying attention. In a more general sense, a recent Gallup poll found that the economy is a top concern for the country today -- not just among Millennials.
As my friends stress over their post-graduate plans, finding a steady income in a field that they are passionate about is a top priority. But, a new national poll conducted by the Harvard Institute of Politics found that less than 23 percent of young Americans say they will "definitely be voting" in November.
Millennials are apathetic about this year's midterm elections and this is a huge problem. I have friends who either forgot to register or do not know how. They are confused by absentee ballots and some do not even know which county they are registered to vote in. For a group of individuals who are passionate about following their dreams and being innovators, forgetting to vote is embarrassing.
Many of my Millennial friends say that it is too hard to vote, but that is just lazy. Before my flight last Thursday, I voted early and the entire process took less than 15 minutes. I was still able to make it to my gate early enough to spend an excessive amount of money at Hudson News.
This apathetic mindset towards our civic duty is not new. We do not feel like the government works in our favor. In fact, the level of trust that young Americans -- ages 18 to 29 -- have in institutions and the political process has fallen below 50 percent in the past five years.
We are disillusioned by the politics of politics. We do not see concrete change, yet we are not doing anything to try and make the change ourselves. In many states like Colorado, Wisconsin and Florida, young voter turnout is crucial in deciding the outcome.
We do not think our vote matters. Many Millennials say that we are just a number. Sure, but, with talk of many of the Senate races leading to a runoff, every single vote does matter.
Say you do not have the time to understand what is being voted on. Well, The Skimm has a great guide to understanding the midterm elections. Say you do not know where to vote. Organizations like Rock the Vote have you covered, with information on polling places across the country.
On Netflix, the average episode of House of Cards lasts less than an hour. It takes less time than that to cast your ballot on Nov. 4. Netflix will always be there, but casting your vote won't.