To a young person, voting is tricky. Millennials come from a population of guardians from all walks of life. Young people grow up under the influence of whatever their parents teach them, and it is true that it takes extra effort to reach beyond the comfort zone of their own homes.

Yet despite this, that does not mean young people should be written off as “votes that do not matter.”

When YouTube star Connor Franta asked for more recognition for his generation at a debate for the Democratic Presidential candidates, news organizations and politicians failed to see the massive support invisibly standing behind him. Franta’s 5.3 million subscribers — who are almost completely composed of young people — are just a fraction of millennials who might have been asking the same question for a long time. The younger generation, who some only refer to as tech-obsessed, shallow-minded kids, are oftentimes crying for help.

We crave more information each day, and the endless means of technology have made knowledge so much more accessible. While it is true that young people do love scouring the Internet for the best cat videos or makeup tutorials, we find so much more than we expect. It is a comfort to see stars like Franta — along with other YouTube sensations like John and Hank Green or Philip DeFranco — reach out to young people and inform us on things that matter. One can search for a silly react video and, four related links later, end up listening to a political debate about international immigration. It is that easy, and it is all because these celebrities we admire are so much more well-rounded than “older generations” may believe. We young people use Internet platforms, like YouTube and Tumblr, as tools; it is so easy to broadcast an opinion to a worldwide audience, and the right engagement makes young, impressionable viewers listen. Third party opinions broaden the mind and can be used to help an 18-year-old voter make a deeper decision than “what mommy and daddy said to pick.”

The proof is there: voter rallies for Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, as Franta mentioned, are often filled with teenagers and young adults. He reaches out to those who are constantly ignored, and that is why his polls show favor from young people. If more candidates gave greater attention to new voters, they too could gain some of that “millennial pull.”

Despite this, young people can get scared when voting season comes around. Politics is a complex topic to understand; it is composed of twists and controversies that can require research to comprehend. This can be extremely intimidating, and young people need help sometimes. We may not vote in the very first election for which we are eligible, and we may be afraid to ask questions. This is why some polls have shown a low voter turnout among millennials. But this is exactly why Franta’s question at the Democratic debate is so important: young people need that engagement from their politicians. We need the guidance and knowledge because without true teachings, our votes end up being blindly cast or not cast at all.

The best thing to do is stop saying “I weep for this generation” and start doing something to help. Young people are powerful, and we need more people like Franta to represent us and fuel the confidence that cannot be found elsewhere. We are learning how to use our voices, and our votes matter. In order to save the fate of this country, it is up to millennials to make well-researched decisions that will impact our nation. In order to do so, we need the proper guidance at the polls. However, if older generations or politicians would rather complain that we do not vote, then we will turn to where our attention is desired. We are all in this together, and only engagement and attention will save our nation and create a better life for the future of young people.

If our mentors treat us like we matter, then we will feel like we matter. That is what drives elections: confidence and unity. The only way to achieve that is through great teaching and engagement. And we young people are ready. Treat us like that.

To read the article that sparked this rebuttal, click here.