Rise of young people inspiring, game-changing

Since the Parkland tragedy on Feb. 14, the nation has been shocked and amazed by how young people across this country have organized themselves to demand a new political status quo - and we're just getting started.

As the largest, fastest-growing, most diverse, and most progressive voting bloc in the United States, the tens of thousands of young people rising up to demand change is not just inspiring, it's game changing.

Outrage over NRA-funded politicians helped ignite this fire, but young people are not single issue voters. In the course of my work as an organizer, I've met young people passionate about lowering the astronomical cost of college tuition, ensuring all Iowans receive the health care they need, and creating a prosperous economic system that includes fair wages.

I am determined to ensure young people in Eastern Iowa take that passion to the polls with them in November. The first step is registering them to vote, and that's exactly what I'm doing with NextGen Iowa - registering young people to vote so their voices carry the weight of the ballot box in November.

Voting is the key to translating our generation's immense energy into real change. And this November, we'll see a new and formidable force in American politics: the youth vote.

Lindsey Rayner

Cedar Rapids