As a 21-year-old voting in my first presidential election, I've found it alarming how many of my peers have little to no interest in the political process. I hear the same things all the time: "My vote doesn't matter," "Politics are all drama and no real issues," "Democracy isn't real," and so on and so forth. While I understand how frustrating it is to feel as if you have little to no voice in such a large government, voting is extremely important. So from one first-time voter to another, here are five reasons why you should show up to the polls on election day 2016.
1. To show support for your candidate of choice
Even if your preferred candidate doesn't take office, it's important to show your support for them. The more support a candidate receives, the more seriously they, and by extension, their ideas, are taken in the government. Just because a political candidate doesn't win the presidency doesn't mean that they can't use their influence to help pass new laws and make important issues heard.
2. To show your patriotism
Love it or hate it, the United States of America is our home. Many brave men and women have died for our right to a democratic political system, and out of respect for them and our country, we should all exercise our right to have a say in what goes on in the government.
3. To make your voice heard
It may seem like one measly vote won't make much of a difference in the long run, but thousands of votes might. Use your common sense with this one. If everyone who supports a candidate refuses to vote because they believe that it won't matter in the long run, then that candidate doesn't have a chance in hell of winning. The only way to have a chance to win is to play the game.
4. To keep up with current events
Hopefully, if you're voting, you're well informed of your candidate of choice's platform and the main issues being discussed. (Disclaimer: Watching Fox News does not count.) Even if your preferred candidate doesn't win, it's still good that you're up to date on the big issues that the country is facing.
5. To be a part of history
Every single election is important, especially presidential elections. That moment -- going to the polls and waiting with bated breath while election officials tally votes and announce our country's new leader -- is indescribable.
Voting is a huge part of being an American citizen. The only way that most of us can have our voices heard in government is by walking into those polls on election day. So exercise your rights and register to vote! It's too important of a process to sit out.
