It’s an election year and it seems you can’t go anywhere without hearing about politics. Voters of both parties have no problem voicing their views in hopes to sway undecided voters to their side. One particular voting demographic that has seen low turnout is those from the ages 18-25, and politicians are spending millions to reach out and tap into this holy grail of votes, but even with all this money spent, this demographic still doesn’t want to budge much at all.

“I haven’t voted, and I have no plans to do so. I generally am against voting anyway, but specifically for this election, I believe that a vote for any of them, Trump, Sanders, Clinton, whoever, is a vote for more American imperialism and war in the Middle East,” said 24-year-old Spencer Mode. “If I cast a ballot for somebody and they win and continue bombing people overseas, which they will, then that’s on my conscience.”

Other voters feel like their vote doesn’t matter, especially when their views conflict with how their state typically votes. Such is the case with 33-year-old Cory Bromwell.

“I choose not to mainly because, in Texas especially, if I’m not voting Republican I might as well anyways because we all know that Texas always swings red.  I don’t like the idea that no matter what vote I cast that in the end it’s all up to the electoral college to make a decision for whom is elected. I believe the reasons people don’t vote in that age bracket comes down to two major factors: lack of education on the matter and just complete apathy.”

Other reasons seem to stem from the pool of candidates themselves. Many possible voters believe that they’re just spouting lies and wanting to be the next talking head for the same old policy and gridlock problems.

“Honestly I don’t see the point, they’re all saying what the public wants to hear, yet nothing will actually be done. It’s almost the why vote for the lesser of two evils,” said 24-year-old Kara Carthel. “The lower turnout is due to this as well. We all see that trump is loud and egotistical, Hilary is just there because of her last name. And the others are just a show. We don’t want to waste our time on tv ratings and a popularity contest anymore.”

Presidential elections seem to take the spotlight among all voters while primaries and local elections are neglected. These elections have low voter turnout across the board, some possible voters think this could be the key to making some change in policy while others think that change is only minor. Cory Bromwell is the latter.

“I believe voting on a local level can make some impact for sure, on a larger scale I sadly don’t think it makes a difference. It’s a broken system and needs a complete overhaul. If we’re going to make any difference in our current situation we have to start educating our youth and stop going in circles around the things we have in place that haven’t worked for years”

With so many people feeling as if their vote doesn’t really matter, it can make one wonder if there’s any changes that can be made to make the process more important. Some students are fed up with the entire system.

“The only way I could see voting actually working is if we completely re-did the system. Legit cleaned house, got rid of everyone; made it to where Congress was 8 years, tops. Even state people shouldn’t hold office for more than 8. And take away Congress’ ability to give themselves a raise,” said Kara.

Other potential voters like Cory think the matter simply lies in the campaign process.

“It’s almost like the best candidate in America’s eyes is the one with the biggest pocket book for a campaign and the one with the most media coverage, good or bad…Trump.”

Spencer believes that it falls on us as a collective to bring change rather than rely on the system itself.

“Change won’t come from within the system. I think we’re very slowly shifting to the Left, and I think I that’s a good thing, but nothing will happen until the people take action ourselves. Direct action is the only surefire way to get real change.”

Another issue that leaves a sour taste in the mouths of potential voters is the voting populace itself. There are times when simple encouragement and campaigning for a candidate elevates to it’s own form of bullying.

“We live in a generation in which it’s become the norm to post a “post-voting” selfie as some sort of self righteous pat on the back while simultaneously shaming and looking down upon people who actively choose to play no part in the electoral cycle. It’s ridiculous. I get it fairly often.” Says Spencer. “A lot of people have this idea that if you don’t vote you’re either uneducated or some sort of goblin trying to undermine their entire value system.”

The act of voting also can make family members criticize one another according to Kara

“Even from my own family I’ve been bullied and drugged to the polls. I just stood there… like what happened to if I don’t want to I’m not going to?”

While many claim that the reason people don’t vote is because they’re lazy, or uninformed, it’s also important to look at these potential voters and ask why? Surprisingly, many are just fed up with the system and feel left out and like their voice is just going unheard.