Public Project
Beyond the Ballot
Summary
"Explore the dynamic lives of rural Colorado teenagers against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, where outdoor adventures meet political awareness in this captivating photo essay."
An exploration of diverse perspectives of Colorado millennials on politics and their role in the 2016 election. As the largest voting demographic by 2020, millennials now have the potential to influence upcoming elections significantly. However, their views are varied, reflecting deep political divisions and widespread frustration with the current system. This project listens to the experiences of young people from both urban and rural areas, showing how these differing environments contribute to contrasting perspectives, particularly regarding issues like agriculture, public lands, and economic opportunities.
Despite low voter turnout in the 2016 election, Colorado millennials were highly engaged in other forms of civic activity, such as volunteering and starting nonprofits, optimistic about making positive changes within their communities but also facing challenges in bridging political divides and ensuring informed decision-making, trough a personal view on their needs for open dialogue, critical thinking, and education to help this generation navigate and address the complexities of today’s political landscape in the United States.
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