BY JIBID MELKONIAN and MAYA BALMANUKYAN
As the United States marks 250 and Armenia celebrates 35, it is important to reflect upon the democratic values that Armenian Americans have long embraced and celebrated. The Armenian community is defined by resilience and perseverance. In honor of this legacy, ensuring that our voices are heard and our concerns are represented is both a privilege and a responsibility. Participation in the democratic process honors those who fought to preserve our identity, and helps shape a future that reflects our community’s values and aspirations.
In pursuit of higher education, we have come to acknowledge the reality many hope to avoid; voting is not something separate from our everyday lives. The sanctity of higher education instilled upon us by the Armenian-Americans who have fought to provide us with the opportunity to establish ourselves reminds us that the people we elect make decisions about education, job opportunities, housing, and the cost of living. Whether we are thinking about tuition, rent, or future employment, public policy directly affects the opportunities available to us. At a time when many young people face uncertainty about the future, participating in the democratic process is one of the most effective ways to help shape the communities in which we hope to live, work, and thrive.
As Armenian Americans, this responsibility carries an even deeper meaning. Our community understands the importance of advocacy and collective action. It is our duty to continue voting with Armenian interests in mind as our diaspora grows. From strengthening Armenian-American relations to ensuring that issues important to our community remain visible, civic engagement allows us to transform our presence into meaningful influence. Communities that vote are communities that are heard. For a people who endured genocide, displacement, and generations of hardship, participation should never be taken for granted. Many of our ancestors did not have theopportunity to freely participate in democratic institutions. Today, we do. Casting a ballot is not only a way to influence the future, but also a way to honor the sacrifices that made our opportunities possible.
Voting strengthens our collective voice. Armenian Americans have built communities across the United States, particularly on the West Coast. As our numbers grow, our participation must grow alongside them. Every ballot cast sends a message that our community is engaged, invested, and committed to shaping a better future for ourselves, our families, and our homeland. Institutions such as HyeV otes have worked to register and mobilize Armenian-Americans, making civic participation more accessible and encouraging greater involvement among younger generations. Their efforts remind us that democracy is strongest when citizens take an active role in it.
As we codify America250 and Armenia35, let us resume our commitment to the democratic principles that have allowed Armenian Americans to thrive. Voting is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to make our voices heard, hold leaders accountable, and help build the future we want to see. For a people who value community and unity, voting should become second nature. Being passive has never defined the Armenian spirit, and it should not define our generation. Our voices matter, our votes matter, and the future of our community depends on both.
Jibid Melkonian and Maya Balmanukian are alumni of the ANCA-WR Rising Leaders Internship Program.
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