Last presidential election, many of us were excited and put our faith in the political process to create change, and that hope drove record numbers of youths to action and to vote. But this year, that same “election mania” is almost entirely absent, and we need it now more than ever.

Among the many contributing factors causing political apathy among young voters this year is the corruptive effect Super PACs and rampant campaign spending are having on how people perceive the election process.

26% of Americans are unlikely to vote this year because they believe that corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals have more influence over the election than them. Disproportionally represented in that stat are youth, minority, and less formally educated groups. Super PACs are souring the political process for young and future voters who no longer believe that their voice is heard.

Every one of us that decides not to vote is handing over more power to the people who want to silence the youth vote. Being apathetic and removing ourselves from the process leaves us no chance of change. But we can still raise our voices by voting, we can still make this a big issue.

Tell Jim Lehrer of PBS to ask the candidates in the first debate how they are going to address the corrupting influence of money in our political system. Don’t let Super PACs be the ones to decide our future, get out and vote.

Please share this widely, and use the power of your voice to strike at the root of our problems.