Voting is a privilege, as well as a right, afforded to the citizens of a free and democratic society.  There are a couple of other words that are important to both recognize and distinguish.  The word election refers to the whole race and process of voting, including all candidates, such as “This is the democratic primary election”.  Election can also be used as a verb, denoting the act of choosing, as in “Elect Dean for President”.  Another word to distinguish is campaign.  This word refers specifically to the process, through which a candidate hopes and tries to become elected. 

The issue here, though, is that voting which Webster’s dictionary defines as, “To express one’s views or opinions through a choice, endorsement, or authorization by vote.”  So voting implies action and represents the actual physical act of doing, and in some respect, accomplishing something.  This definition is telling, however, because action is precisely what it takes to become a card-carrying voter.  The problem, or issue that is most pressing with regards to voting and teenagers, is voter apathy, ambivalence, expressed primarily through voter turnout and registration.