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The millennial vote. It is the topic of many headlines, often associated with terms such as “nonexistent” and “uneducated.”

It is the largest voting group, wanted by politicians on both sides of the aisle, simultaneously the most powerful and most underwhelming, underperforming, untapped political voting sector. It is deciding this election.

The millennial vote, my vote, your vote, all possess the potential to shape not only American, but world politics.

The right to vote is often taken for granted, whether it is not exercised, or worse, exercised without education. If  the millennial voters of the 2016 presidential election were to truly make an impact, their votes, were they to cast them, would need to be educated. They would need to be able to recognize the issues important to them, be it climate change, foreign policy, or education.

To be well versed in the policies of the candidates and cast informed ballots is a civil obligation all Americans are bound by. Despite this, millennial voter turnout hovers just below 50 percent, the lowest of all the generations. Millennials have made an impact in the latest election cycle in the form of  Sen. Bernie Sanders. He represented the millennial voice: addressing climate change, affordable college, and a cooperation-over-confrontation foreign policy. With this voice gone, it is up to the voters to turn to the next best solution.

Regarding climate change, it is important to note the differing opinions and policies of the current candidates. Hillary Clinton believes in climate change, believes it is man-made, and has been actively working on policies to protect the Earth during her time in the Obama administration.

Donald Trump does not believe in climate change. He has made no mention of any policies he would enact to protect the climate. As a student living on an island that is currently sinking into the rising oceans, this worries me. Young people everywhere should be invested in preserving the world in which we live, in leaving it in a better state than which we found it. Hillary has, and says she will continue to, develop policies to preserve the environment.

Having recently developed long-range missiles capable of reaching the Hawaiian Islands, and by continually testing said missiles, North Korea poses a threat on a nuclear scale. Hillary Clinton believes in imposing sanctions and working with other countries to restrain them. Donald Trump believes he can force China to economically strangle North Korea to rein them in. When dealing with an unpredictable country such as North Korea, choosing a candidate well versed in foreign policy would be the more suitable option.

Tuition rates are at an all-time high, and student debt has transmogrified into a national epidemic. A call for tuition-free college has garnered a following, particularly among millennial voters, who are too familiar with the burden of seemingly endless student-debt.

The candidates have differing opinions on how to best deal with this problem, yet both do agree that it is one. Hillary Clinton has promised debt-free college for all, insisting all families making under $125,000 a year will pay no tuition to attend an in-state public university. Donald Trump also agrees in tackling the student-debt problem, but when pressed for specifics, is unable to offer a comprehensive policy. One may question Hillary’s plan, but the fact she has one to begin with puts her a step ahead of the competition.

Both candidates remain disappointingly unpopular, yet only one aligns themselves with the millennial viewpoint.

When voting, it is important to note that this decision will not only impact America, but the entire world. Foreign policy is delicate and not to be taken lightly; graciousness is a must when dealing with world leaders.

One candidate embodies these presidential qualities. One voting group has the power to elect her.