Former Texas Congressional Representative Beto O’Rourke emphasized the power of the youth vote during a virtual Wisconsin student voter registration rally on Tuesday.

“I really believe that Wisconsin [is] going to decide the outcome of this election and determine who the next president of the United States of America will be,” O’Rourke said.

During the “What’s at Stake” event hosted by Wisconsin 2020 Victory, O’Rourke said young people are the ones leading the change on important issues like climate change, police violence and voting rights.

“So often it’s young people who are organizing, leading, speaking, compelling us to take action,” he said.

O’Rourke said the country is facing some of the worst issues of our generation with the pandemic and economic depression, and it is crucial that people vote Donald Trump out of office.

“The consequence of failing to do that is to lose not just an election, but I really think if we do not elect Joe Biden this year, we really stand the chance of losing our country,” he said.

O’Rourke said that voting yourself is important, but it is vital to make sure your friends and family are voting as well.

“You must also move other people, help to register those who are in our lives and lay out the stakes of this election in terms that are clear and compelling,” he said.

O’Rouke said the best way to mobilize people and combat voter suppression is to contact potential voters.

He said reaching out to voters through phone banking or talking in person to help them register is the most helpful way people can get others to vote.

O’Rourke said a lot of people are worried that young people won’t get out and vote, but he believes that young people are actually the ones leading the change.

“These are dark days — a lot of suffering, a lot of struggle — but I’m optimistic and even hopeful because of [young voters],” he said.

You can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov, in person or by mail through your municipal clerk’s office. The deadline to register online or by mail is Oct. 14.