In the Presidental Election of 2016, there were more than a few people who were unhappy with their choices in canidates. This is possibly one of the factors that led to the lowest voting turnout in 20 years. With so many people feeling as if there was no one in office they wanted to vote for, their solution was to just not vote at all. Myself, on the other hand, still had every intention of voting. I registered to vote long before November 8th and applied for an absentee ballot since I would be at school during the election. As election day drew closer, I soon realized my absentee ballot was taking an awfully long time to arrive. It soon became clear that I would not have it in time for the election. I accepted the fact that the only way I would be able to vote is by driving the four hours home. To many of my peers who had already made the decision not to vote at all, I looked crazy. I thought my decision made perfect sense. In fact, here are four very good reasons I drove four hours just to vote:
1. My voice matters.
In an election that is won by thousands of votes, just one vote may not seem like it would make a difference in the whole scheme of things. Even so, I found it important to voice my opinion in my first presidential election. If every citizen had that same mindset, who knows what that "just one vote" could do.
2. The future president was not the only one on the ballot.
Not only did I get to voice my opinion on the choice for the future President of the United States, but I also got to cast my vote for everything from Attorney General to local propositions. Even if you do not agree with those who get their names on the top of the ballot, there are still quite a few under them who need and deserve votes.
3. "You can't complain if you don't vote."
A strongly expressed sentiment in my household while growing up was that if you don't cast a vote, you can't complain about the outcome. While my parents originally applied this rule to small things like choosing what we would have for dinner, it also applied very nicely to politics.
4. It is that important.
When asked if I really think voting is that important, I would have to say that it is. I am so proud to say I did everything I could (even driving four hours) to participate in my first election. I started a habit of participating in elections and expressing what I believe. I hope I acted as an example for those around me, especially my younger siblings, and proved to them that every voice matters.
