We exist in an era where we have the ability to make a difference within our world and how it is run. While living in a country that provides us with options and opportunity. After reaching the legal voting age, having the ability to choose a leader that will not only move our country in a positive direction during our future, but for future generations, is a special gift that we very so often take for granted.
Making an uninformed decision is more destructive to our voting system rather than affirmative. If one does not educate themselves on our current issues and the views current political candidates have on them, one's uneducated vote could possibly have a negative impact than we think. Here are some factors to take into consideration when choosing potential candidates.
1. Utilize social media, but know when to draw the line.
Being a millennial comes with being slightly addicted to technology. With social media being one of the top resources for one to achieve news fast and efficiently; it can also serve as a crutch instead of a backbone. Day by day, Twitter and Facebook have changed the way politics are viewed, which is why one should be careful when using social sites as a main source for knowledge about politicians and current issues. Twitter is great for breaking news, but FlackCheck.org or PolitiFact.com is my go to for knowing the real deal. For instance, a tweet is somewhat like reading the headline of an article. You understand the idea of it, but not the full story.
2. Learn about our countries issues, and leave the scandals to Kerry Washington.
“I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” Mr. Clinton couldn’t have lied, I mean, said it any better. Listen, we as humans tend to focus more on politicians' and candidates’ personal lives instead of their plans for the issues we face today. Give the benefit of the doubt when reading something not so positive about candidates. Nobody is perfect and there are always two sides of a story. Remember to look at the candidate as a potential leader for our world, not as a potential best friend.
3. Vote on their policies, rather than solely judging their persona.
Watching and reading up on political debates is one of the most helpful resources to utilize during the campaign years. It lets you view candidates in the raw. If they mess up you know firsthand, and will know the truth if they try to change their statements later on. One should not be judged based on gender, ethnicity, age, etc. We live and highly promote freedom within our country. That being said, our soon to be political figure should have the same rights as we do.
4. You may be one vote, but every vote counts.
Having a say on issues that are passionate to you is one of the most powerful things one can hold once you hit the legal voting age. This is a chance for you to empower others and have your voice be heard. It’s a time for you to not hold back and fight for what you believe in.
Some may say the famous line, “I don’t care about politics,” as an excuse to not vote, but what they don’t understand is that we live in a republic nation -- meaning citizens rule through the representatives they elect. Yes, we have a mixture of democracy, but the United States is still set as a republic nation. Let’s be honest, reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” has been telling us this since grade school.
Take pride that you have the ability to choose a leader who can make a difference for the better of our country.
Every vote counts!
