The Young American Priority List

In the 2018 midterm elections, young people voted at historic rates -- a 47% increase over 2014 turnout and the highest youth voter turnout for a midterm in over 25 years. Young people are getting loud, and we at DoSomething are dedicated to amplifying those voices.

For the last six months of 2018, we asked thousands of DoSomething members like you what issues you wanted newly elected lawmakers to tackle when they were sworn into office. The responses we got were incredible, with issues ranging from healthcare and gun violence to education and homelessness.

We packaged up the responses you sent in and delivered guides to every single member of Congress in January, after they sworn into office. They know now that together young people are powerful and a force to be reckoned with. We’re holding our elected officials accountable for the change we want to see in our communities because we are tired of inaction.

Check out an electronic version of the guide we sent to Congress, and read some of the highlights below.

Gun Violence

83.5% of young people agree that background checks should be required for everyone who buys a gun.

“I would like lawmakers to focus more on gun control. School shootings and other tragedies happen so often in the US that I am never surprised by them anymore, and that shows beyond a doubt that the lax restrictions on gun ownership have been ignored for far too long.” -Lillian, 17, Illinois

Immigration

61.6% of young people agree that America should offer undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship.

“Immigration policy...is important because America was founded and developed with the hard work of immigrants and either kicking them out or restricting access goes against what this country was established on.” -Sumayyah, 18, Ohio

Healthcare

66.1% of young people agree government has a responsibility to ensure health coverage for all.

“The issue right now is mental health! We need to fix the issue around how, when and where people are treated for mental health. There are not enough care providers or care plans that take care of mental health needs.” -Chanell, 25, Michigan

Young people also weighed in on issues ranging from climate change and racism, to economic policy and infrastructure.

“The new lawmakers first need to understand it is most important to be open to the people. They must first understand the people they are making laws for, and after they understand the people, they can then decide what laws to create. I would first like them to tackle the problem of social security's longevity. By the time I am old enough to take out social security, there will likely be no money for me. Social security is a concern for people around my age, and it must be addressed.” -Cole, 18, Tennessee

“I want their campaigns to talk about raising the minimum wage for their state or city, opportunities for student loan forgiveness and refinancing, and gun control. I think these are important issues for the economic and general wellbeing of their people.” -Emma, 20, Wisconsin

“Maintaining our roads and highways. This is important to me because right now, our state does not spend much money or time on maintaining our roads, and instead, neglects a fair amount to the point of danger. I have an old car that has a very weak frame, and for me, it is quite scary to be driving on roads that are a hazard to my vehicle.” -Sam, 17, Michigan