PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. —
A new Palm Beach County voter is asking all Floridians to get out and vote in the presidential election and he’s also working to inspire the community to get more involved politically in general.
Dylan Gaynor just turned 18 years old last week. For his birthday, he cast his first ballot. As a member of the League of Women Voters Speakers Bureau, he’s hoping a lot more people of all voting ages follow his example.
If you’ve been at an early voting location in Palm Beach County this week, you may have seen Gaynor, who’s urging as many people as possible to get involved in the political process.
"I believe that oftentimes people believe that their voice doesn't matter," said Gaynor. "My job and the league's job is to make sure that people understand that their vote has a purpose, that their voices heard, and that when their vote and when their ballot is casted, that it's counted accurately and safely."
Dylan is a nonpartisan advocate who works to get as many people involved in making their voices heard in the ballot box as possible. In his capacity as a member of the League of Women Voters Speakers Bureau, he has been especially focused on helping the organization educate the public about the six constitutional amendments on the Florida ballot.
"People are focused on that first race on the ballot, and then they really don't know much past that," said Gaynor. "And then once I start explaining the importance of educating yourself on each and every race, educating yourself on things like the six ballot amendments, they start to kind of understand the importance of voting."
Leaders at the League of Women Voters say Dylan is doing an incredible job and is an example not only for young people but also for all eligible voters.
"Dylan has been one of our true finds this year, and he's been energetic," said Janet Elinoff, team chair for the League of Women Voters Speakers Bureau. "He's been diligent and learning the material, and he's been responsive to our needs for speakers out and about in Palm Beach County."
Dylan says young people do not have to feel they have to get as involved as he is politically, but everyone should at least understand the importance of at least exercising their right to vote.
"If you ask anyone that goes to high school with me, they'll tell you that they've probably heard me ask them, 'Will you be voting?' Because, again, it doesn't matter who you're voting for. It matters that you're using your voice," said Gaynor.
Gaynor says he plans to pursue a major in public policy or political science and he’s still deciding where he wants to go to college.