Citizens of the United States of America, Tuesday, November 8th of 2016 is almost upon us. What's the significance of this date, you ask? Just a little thing we here in 'Murica like to call the presidential election. So far, we have 2 major players and one minor player who've risen to the top of the ballot: Donald Trump (Republican nomination), Hillary Clinton (Democratic nomination), and Gary Johnson (Independent). I, personally, would rather talk about Newton's Laws of Physics than talk about politics. The reason I don't like talking about politics that much is that I believe our government today has become a system based on power, greed and the "who wins" motto rather than making life better for citizens. This won't be another political rant, however. Here are ten reasons why you need to vote this election season (and every election, to be honest).
1. First of all, it's your civic duty.
As a citizen of the good ol' USA, you have the incredible opportunity to vote on who's running the country. You have the chance to express your voice, your ideas and your beliefs freely. A lot of people around the world don't have that chance. Respect your freedoms.2. Your voice can actually make a difference.
Regardless of how you feel about our current president, I believe this is one of the most impactful things our Commander in Chief has ever said. When I ask people why they don't vote, the most common answer is, "It won't change anything." However, that response is just a cop-out. Every efficient chemical reaction starts with a catalyst, something that sets off the change. When you speak up about issues you care about through your vote, you are the catalyst3. Whoever we elect will be the face of our country for the next four years.
Whether you like it or not, either Hillary, Donald or Gary will be the face of America for the next four years. When people around the world imagine America, one of the first things that comes to mind is the President. Who do you want that person to be?
4. By exercising your right to vote, you set an example to others.
If you tell people you're not going to vote, chances are, the other person is more likely to think about not voting as well. I grew up watching both of my parents vote, whether it be in regards to the presidential election, city council elections or union elections. Their example has inspired me to vote now that I'm at the age where I'm allowed to as well.
5. Calling all millennials: this is our chance to prove to society that we do care.
One thing I've noticed over the past few months is that older generations tend to think millennials don't really care about anything. Well folks, it's time to prove them wrong (for more reasons why millennials are awesome, click here).
6. Voting is a chance to really evaluate your ideas and values.
Are you a Democrat? Republican? Independent? Non-partisan? Now's the time to really sit down and think about what you stand for.
7. We need to honor and respect the people throughout history who fought for the right to vote.
People have fought with protests, words, radical thinking and even sacrificed their lives in order to give people of all races, social statuses and political parties the right to vote. If we don't honor their contribution to history by voting, it's as if the struggles of past generations have been forgotten.
8. Your vote will impact the lives of future generations.
When JFK was elected in 1960, our country had no idea that, under his presidency, there would be so much social unrest. When Nixon was re-elected in 1972, the American people had no idea his term would end in a scandal. The presidents and the events that happened throughout their terms have significantly impacted American history and culture. Whoever we elect as president will have a profound impact on how future generations view the past.
9. By showing up at the voting booth, you are ensuring the democratic structure of American politics.
The whole point of having a democratically based government is so that the people can express their opinion by picking who they want to lead the country. What's the point of even having a democracy if people don't show up to express their voice?
10. You can get an "I Voted" sticker and walk out of the voting booth like this:
Here I'll end my first (and most likely last) political article with a simple call to action: vote.
