As politics in the United States become increasingly divided in both red and blue states, young conservatives are working to make sure the Republican Party takes them into account.
In recent months, there’s been a push from several prominent Republican figures to ensure the Republican party works to inform and represent young conservatives. This push has sprung from a fear among young conservatives that their beliefs are being disregarded by the party.
Take Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) as an example. Senator Paul – who is currently running for Republican presidential nomination – recently told CBS News, “Young people gravitate toward the Republican Party if they have an opportunity to know that they are part of that. And if Republicans are going to capture the youth vote, it’s not going to be with large speeches or PACs, it’s going to be with boots on the ground.”
Senator Paul isn’t the only one making this call. U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) recently hosted the Young Republican National Conference and urged Republicans to embrace young voices in order to create a successful legislative agenda.
It’s more than just politicians getting involved. BallotReady, a nonpartisan online voter guide, is also working to engage young conservatives and to make sure their voices are heard in the political process. Through their initiatives, BallotReady is helping young citizens use primary voting as an opportunity to shape the future of the Republican Party.
The push from young conservatives is clear but what remains to be seen is whether the Republican Party will meet them halfway. It’s time for Republicans to put their money where their mouth is and make sure young conservatives are genuinely welcomed and represented by the Party.
If Republicans can successfully work to listen to and value young conservatives, it could be a game-changer for the Party in election years to come. Only time will tell, but the effort to give young conservatives a voice is a strong start.
Young Republicans Seeking More Influence in the GOP
