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Jade Browne February 21, 2023 Ms. Noe Pearl B. Larsen, 8th grade In today’s modern world, children under the age of 18, including me cannot vote in the United States Virgin Islands. Despite the law, we can still have an impact on those who are voting and influence our Virgin Island citizens to choose the right leaders for the territory, as well as influencing the importance of the political process. As youths, we can elevate issues in our territory and determine which official or leader will take action, to encourage citizens to vote for them. We can also do research on candidates to find information about their focus areas to then make a decision to support the best person. As a 14-year-old I know I'm capable of establishing or joining a group to help show the importance of voting, civics, and participating in democracy. Therefore, I would like to state my suggestions and reasons to support the cause in this essay. In the Unites States Virgin Islands, our people are known for supporting certain high officials because of their relationship with the candidate. Such as being a friend or family member of the candidate. However, the reasons for selecting a candidate should be more meaningful than a relationship or ties to the person. So, if I was in a group with other young leaders, I would want to highlight the reasons why we think an individual is the best candidate and create ways to spread the word of what they are trying to accomplish to support them. I would support them by helping put up posters that would list the positive changes they have accomplished and even try to get an article published in the newspaper about them. I would also hope to be able to fundraise money to get an ad to support the candidate on the radio. The ad would highlight the candidate's qualifications and accomplishments. Another idea that needs to be shared around the islands is that taking part in the political process and voting, are both Jade Browne February 21, 2023 Ms. Noe Pearl B. Larsen, 8th grade serious and important. It is important because the actions of our government and the people of our islands are going to impact us youths in the future. To have a positive effect on this subject matter, I would like to advocate and promote the importance of those two categories. As we go into the future, us youths will eventually be adults and will have the right to vote and be able to participate in democracy. That being so, we should bring activities into schools such as, mock elections and class discussions or debates. This will help teach students about the election system and democracy. This will also help increase voting among young adults. Another idea that should be used, is teaching civics at an early age. Students will learn about the basics of the government which will prepare them for the future but making them more knowledgeable. One more idea I have is getting a retired and existing leader to teach children how to become a leader and make their island or community a better place. This will most likely have a positive effect for them to become a candidate in the future for an election. Overall, it is imperative to study civics, voting, and participating in democracy seriously. All these factors are critical in making USVI become a better place. Not only for tourists but for our children's education, culture, and communities. Therefore, as a young Virgin Islander, I am hopeful that you can now see why we should develop a deeper appreciation for civics and voting in the United States Virgin Islands. Jade Browne February 21, 2023 Ms. Noe Pearl B. Larsen, 8th grade Sources: • https://youtu.be/nurCaybEeoc • https://electionbuddy.com/ • https://circle.tufts.edu/ • https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/why-voting-important/ • https://www.civics-online.org/