To the Editorial Team: Did you know that in Ulster County, younger voter turnout (18-24) historically has been low? We’re not unique. This is a national problem.

Regardless of party, we should all be concerned. A healthy democracy depends on the participation of ALL eligible voters. And the job of older voters is to encourage younger Americans to turn out for elections, big and small. They all count!

Start by talking to the young people you know. Find out what concerns them. Is it AI data centers? Is it the war in Iran? Or is it Flock cameras? Immigration policies? Maybe the young people you know are worried about kitchen table issues: the cost of housing, food, and gas.

Let’s help our young people understand that voting is one way to secure a better future by voting for candidates who share their same concerns. And then, of course, if those candidates are elected, we must all hold them responsible. Civic engagement doesn’t end once we vote.

If any of the young people you know aren’t registered, ask them to register now. And then help them make a plan to vote early, in person, if they can (Oct. 24-Nov. 1). They can also vote early by mail. Request a ballot from the Ulster County Board of Elections now — it will be mailed out on Sept. 18. Remind young voters that while they can still vote on Election Day, Nov. 3, based on the headlines we’re all reading, it might not be wise this year to wait until the very last day.

Charlotte Adamis

Kingston