Hello, I'm Owen Simões, and I'm 18 years old. And this year - I get to vote.

I'm embarking on a new podcast: a non-partisan show focused on youth voter engagement and civic education called "Youth in the Booth." In just about a year, I'll cast my first vote in a significant national election for the president. I'm passionate about understanding our political system, a sentiment not shared by some of my peers. In 2023, the nationwide youth voter turnout stood at approximately 23%, an improvement from the 2014 figure of 13%. Despite the progress, for every young American who votes, there are three who do not. I believe that increasing youth voter turnout to 50% could significantly impact election outcomes and garner more attention from politicians on issues vital to us, such as the escalating university costs, climate change, and equity.

While my podcast is 100% non-partisan, I'm keenly interested in the reasons behind low youth voter turnout. I want to explore these issues and encourage change. Additionally, I face my own decisions for the upcoming 2024 election.

I've had a taste of entrepreneurship since the age of 10 with my business, Squidflip. This experience taught me that success entails more than just hard work; it involves overcoming barriers and seeking assistance. With "Youth in the Booth," my goal is to educate and inspire young people by interviewing political leaders, observers and journalists.

Through candid conversations, I hope to demystify our political process, address topics crucial to my generation, and inspire civic engagement. I plan to ask straightforward and understandable questions, with relevant follow-ups tailored to the conversation.

I invite you to join me on this journey as I engage in discussions with politicians, political observers, and a handful of journalists. 

-Owen