If you are at least 18 years of age and are currently going to school, mainly college, you must have heard about voting in the local and national elections by now. If you have not, then might I suggest that you crawl back out of that rock. Hello and welcome to the world! Some of you've already voted in our early local elections -- well, kudos to you, and thank you for caring about this world that we live in. For the rest of you, these are some of the excuses that you may come up with regarding not being "able" to vote.
1. Being "busy" with schoolwork
Yes, it is around the time for midterms, and most of you will be procrastinating to study for them. Whether it is the 100-question test or the essay that you have to turn in before spring break, you know you shall cram all of it the night before, or at least try to. So why not stop with the unnecessary shuffling of papers and books, and do some research on who to vote for in your local election? After all, it will affect you in more ways than one.
2. Don't know any of the candidates
Yes, everyone has used this one before. I don't know any of the candidates and what they are running for, so how in the world can I find out without having to talk to them which will take more time? Well, well, well, there are these things called your smartphone, tablet, computer, laptop, and the internet. Something that you are on about eight hours out of the 24 hours during the entire day. Instead of searching for what Drake is up to or checking out his Instagram, you can search for candidates in the local election. But that would be asking for too much, right?
3. I need to catch up on Netflix first
Politics in a TV show is important as well, because you feel a part of the movement and can possibly relate to the character in one or more aspects. But remember some of the tactics that Francis Underwood, Kevin Spacey's character in "House of Cards," used to gain power in the first place? Would it raise any eyebrows for you if politicians were to do these things in real life? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes the things we see on TV either happened in real life or may happen in the future. That is why you should do some research and find out what the candidates are about and how did they reach their goal. Then vote for the person that will be the best person for the job because if you don't, then someone else will choose your elected official for you.
4. My vote doesn't matter -- the elderly know who to vote for
5. The voting booth is far from my home
Whatever your potential excuse might be pertaining to not voting, just stop it. We talked about how millennials have surpassed the baby boomers in the majority of voting power and how simple it is to research the candidates if need be. Schoolwork is obviously important, but instead of binge watching that next show, take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to do some research on candidates running so that you may effectively vote for who you think will do the best job. After all, if you choose not to vote, then you have no right in complaining or voicing your concerns pertaining to new laws or enforcement of laws that might come about with new elected officials.
Let that sink in.
