Young people, you are the youth of today, but the leaders of tomorrow. You are Generation Next.

We must be able to begin a new era of excellence, strength and ability to march forth and provide our country and her people what they truly deserve — a better Bermuda for all.

I have canvassed the thoughts and opinions of various young people about the present landscape of politics and about whether or not they would vote in the next election.

I have been met with intellectual and articulate responses that indicate to me that the youth are well aware of the oozing divides within our community, the urgent need for fiscal responsibility and for investing in our young Bermudians. The Government and Opposition alike should take notice that young Bermudians are paying attention.

On the other hand, there are those young people who don’t care to vote because they do not see the importance of voting and feel that it doesn’t affect them.

Although many may disagree, this is a legitimate concern shared by many young people. I ask these individuals to understand that their voice truly does matter and every vote counts.

It is incumbent upon anyone when discussing the youth vote, and encouraging young people to get involved, to briefly outline and discuss some of Bermuda’s voting history and the struggle fought on racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines.

1789: During this year, legislation is passed to give statutory recognition to the property-based criteria for voters and candidates in general elections. This Act establishes a minimum monetary value of £40 to vote and £200 to run for political office.

1841: Bermuda officially recognises the British pound sterling as legal tender. It follows that the property values legislated in 1834 for voting in general elections are converted to £60.

1944: Women’s Suffrage Act is passed by the Legislature; this Act ends the prolonged struggle to secure the vote for women. However, the vote is still restricted to property-owning women, who are to be subject to the previously established monetary values of £60 to vote and £200 to run for political office.

1946: E.F. Gordon delivers the Bermuda Workers Association petition to the Colonial Office in Britain, requesting an investigation into the restricted franchise, segregation and limited occupational opportunities “for the great majority of the underprivileged and suffering inhabitants of Bermuda”.

1960: Roosevelt Brown, later known as Pauulu Kamarakafego, leads The Committee for Universal Adult Suffrage, which campaigns for universal adult suffrage. This group seeks the elimination of the property-based vote, the establishment of single-seat constituencies and strives for the democratic ideal of “one person, one vote, each vote of equal value”.

1966: The Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 1966 is passed and the “plus” vote is abolished. The franchise is extended to include every adult Bermudian (by birth or grant) aged 21 and over.

1968: A written Constitution is implemented, shifting most of the responsibility for the internal governance of Bermuda from the Governor to the elected representatives of the people and appointed members of the Legislature.

1989: Age eligibility of voters is changed from 21 to 18.

2003: Constituency Boundary Commission’s Report receives the endorsement of the House of Assembly, which allowed that year’s election to take place under the electoral format of 36 single-seat constituencies. This begins the implementation of “one man, one vote, equal vote”.

History is abundantly clear when it shows us that the powers in that day wanted to protect the elitist status quo of restricting the opportunities of a large percentage of Bermudians. In previous years, you would have to have been part of a certain racial and economic class to vote. These struggles will be outlined and discussed in columns to follow so that it may be better understood exactly how far we have come as a country.

We have individuals such as Dr Gordon, Hilda Aitken and Edna Wadson to thank for their invaluable contributions in the fight for voting equality. The greatest way to honour those individuals and the many others who have fought for our right to vote is to exercise it.

It would be amazing to see a larger presence of young people vocalising their concerns regarding the direction of this country. As a young person growing up in Bermuda, it is imperative to know that the government of the day is making decisions that will pave the way for a better and brighter future for Bermudians. Bermuda’s young people want to make a difference, they can make a difference, and together they will make a difference.

This country has a plethora of young people full of talent, potential and intellectual brilliance. With your input, effort and combined support, there is nothing to stop you from achieving great things on behalf of our country.

Together we can do this. Remember, you are the youth of today, but the leaders of tomorrow. Generation Next.

• Eron Hill is studying for a LLB Law Hons degree at Durham University. He is back in Bermuda for the Easter break and returns to the UK at the end of April