Educational Media Reviews Online

As the opening scene sets the stage for the audience, it states the fact that the twenty sixth amendment to the U.S Constitution lowers the voting age to eighteen. The Young Vote, brings us a snapshot of youth activism of the current era around increasing youth turnout in elections. The film centers on several young activists from different backgrounds, who have different approaches but the same goal in increasing the vote of the youth of the United States. Starting in their respective jurisdictions we go on this journey with them during the lead up to the 2020 election.

The film rests in the convergence of observational and expository style documentaries. Capturing the subjects in a biographical lens in this moment of time while having the viewers observe the subjects in the actions of their cause. This gives the viewer an overall effect of knowing who these individuals are and watching them be a part of some of the big events around elections and the current social justice movement we are living in. The style is engaging, informative, and pulls the audience in wondering what this journey has in store for the film’s subjects.

We are first introduced to our subjects as they are engaging in the activities of their cause. Sophia (Campaign manager for Women’s March Action), Liz (MiFamiliaVota), Dariel and Elena (Students for Open Primary), and Ariana (Black Lives Matter Activist), coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds yet all have a common goal of change through voting and civic engagement. Seeing firsthand the views of these individuals as they approach their common goal of increasing voter turnout amongst the youth, we see the trials and tribulations that each of them go through from Supreme Court decisions, and voting suppression efforts that in one case is bipartisan. The last shot in the film states the reality of what happened to the John Lewis Voting Rights Act giving the viewer a glimpse to another obstacle that is a legislative filibuster.

This film is highly recommended for anyone who wants to see what is happening on the ground when it comes to youth civic engagement. This film gives a view into an emerging citizenry in a nation that had the highest youth turnout in its history. If you are looking to inform students or the general public on voting, civic engagement, activism with youth, this is a film that meets those interests. The film really captures the rise of the largest voting bloc in the United States if they use that power and actually vote.

Awards:
Black Voices for Black Justice Award Recipient; Impact Docs Awards, Award of Recognition, Documentary Feature

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