The presidential election process is well underway. The Iowa Caucuses produced a surprise Republican winner in Ted Cruz and a virtual tie between establishment candidate Hillary Clinton and populist Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side. Republican candidates Marco Rubio and Donald Trump also solidified their status as serious contenders. However, every candidate has differing opinions on America’s future. As voters, we decide the future of America, and we need to make our voices heard. Here are 11 reasons why every eligible voter should vote in the 2016 election.

1. It’s Your Constitutional Right: Around the world today, many people do not have the privilege of electing their own leaders. Some countries are overtly repressive, while some put on an appearance of democracy. The United States is one of the few countries in the world where the people truly control the outcome of the election. As Americans, we should be grateful of that right, and exercise it at every chance we get.
2. Budget: Our national debt currently stands around $19 trillion and grows daily. Most Americans agree that something has to be done to cut into the deficit, but solutions vary. Some advocate for increased taxes and economic investment, while others work to cut federal spending. Americans need to decide what course they want to take and stick to it. Every eligible vote needs to make their voice heard on this issue, because it could serve to cripple the future of our children if it is not addressed now.
3. Military: While the United States still spends more on defense than the rest of the world combined, few argue that our military is weakening in its ability to project power and adapt to the needs of modern warfare. As Americans, we need to decide, are we okay with a weaker military? Or do we need to strongly invest in our military infrastructure, training, and equipment in order to ensure that the United States is capable of meeting the battlefield challenges of the 21^st century? The answers to these questions lie in the votes of every citizen. Make your voice heard on this important issue.
4. Foreign Policy: It is time for America to make a decision on a foreign policy strategy and adhere to it. We need to move on from the ill-thought plans of the Bush administration and the lack of plans by the Obama administration. There are three possible, coherent foreign policy strategies. First, Americans could decide to let the world solve its own problems, and focus on rebuilding our greatness at home. Second, America could choose to act smartly and in defense of vital U.S. interests around the world. Finally, America could decide that only the United States is capable of answering every threat or challenge. Which strategy is best? Well, that is up for debate, and the ultimate answer lies in the ballots of voters.
5. Iran: This election is essentially a referendum on the Iranian nuclear deal. America must choose between the belief of the Obama administration that this deal is the best chance to ensure peace with Iran and the belief of Republican opposition that this deal paves the path for Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon by freeing up hundreds of billions of dollars of frozen assets. American voters must decide, and cast their vote wisely on this important issue.
6. Medicare: Several Republican candidates have vowed to reform or remove the Obamacare program because of their belief that it is financially ruining the government and the private market for health insurance. However, many Democrats see it as a step towards free healthcare for all Americans, and believe it is a financially realistic goal. Which side does America truly support? We will only find out if all voters cast their ballots in 2016.
7. Education: American education is reaching a crisis level. We are ranked around 40^th in the world by most educational standards, a level that is not conducive to a productive and growing workforce or economy. Each candidate has differing views on education, but all agree that something has to be done. Voters must decide which path they think is the best.
8. Immigration: Forget the extremist statements of Donald Trump that would never make it through Congress anyways. Something must be done with the millions of illegal immigrants inside our borders. Do we offer them amnesty and a path to citizenship? Or do we deport them and force them to follow the established laws regarding citizenship? That decision lies in the minds of every voter, and we must make our voices heard.
9. Gun Control: After recent mass shootings in San Bernandino and Paris, the voices of gun control advocates have risen to a fever pitch. Equally strong though is the argument from gun rights activists that the vast majority of gun owners pose no threat to American security and to restrict them violates the Second Amendment. Voters need to decide which path to take because some action must be taken.
10. Gay Rights: With Phil Robertson and his extremely conservative views regarding gay marriage officially supporting Ted Cruz, Americans must now decide whether marriage is a commitment between two people or a commitment between a man and a woman. Every American must exercise their right to vote on this important issue, as the next President will have an influential voice about marriage.
11. Abortion: Finally, the issue of funding for Planned Parenthood clinics has appeared in some debates during the primary election and figures to feature more prominently in the general election. Americans must decide what defines life. Is it a newborn baby? Or is it a conceived fetus? That important decision is in the hands of the voters.

Voter turnout in U.S. elections is incredibly low at the present. I find that astonishing because this upcoming election is a referendum on what America stands for. So I urge all Americans: make your voices heard. Please. Don’t miss this chance to vote on the identity and future of your country. Make America your country through the ballot box.