It's getting to be that time again. You can now probably say it's officially the election season. The first voting results of the 2020 presidential election will be held Monday, February 3, 2020 at the Iowa caucus.

America seems as polarized as ever. Many of us may have made up our minds regarding which political candidates we may end up supporting up and down the ballot. There is also a sizable amount of Americans who do not care enough to get out and vote, or believe that their vote is invaluable. If you are one of those people, you're wrong. I'll tell you why.

The 2016 presidential election was one for the books. Now-President Donald J. Trump defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in a shocking upset, to which many compared to the likes of Harry S. Truman's victory over Thomas Dewey in 1948. In four states, the margin of victory for either candidate was within a percentage point. Michigan was won by Trump in a margin of 0.23%. New Hampshire was a state Trump narrowly lost by 0.37%. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin narrowly went to Trump by 0.72% and 0.77%, respectively. Of course, in the United States, a President is elected by the crucial Electoral College which is based on the United States Census which is conducted every 10 years. There have been five times in history that the Electoral College winner didn't coincide with the direct national popular vote victor. Those years being 2016, 2000, 1888 and 1876.

The United States Constitution enshrined the right of the people to vote, but also valued voices across the nation. As a result, at least for now, we have to respect that form of election. Primaries are not seen quite as important by the American voter but they are also crucial in determining who will face off against each other. And in turn, it could have a significant effect on the final turnout outcome for each respective candidate after they have won their party's nomination.

Currently, President Trump is seeking re-election without a serious primary opponent. He has been challenged by the likes of Libertarian 2016 Vice Presidential Nominee William Weld, former Representative Joe Walsh, and perennial candidate Rocky De La Fuente. Democrats have a much more crowded contest in which about a dozen or so high-profile Democrats are competing for the nomination to have a chance to succeed Hillary Clinton as the next nominee for President.

On November 3, America will decide whether to repudiate the president after continuous Democratic-led investigations or choose to pick his side. Healthcare is at stake. Foreign policy direction is going to be decided. The Supreme Court is at stake, in which there is the possibility for the retirements of 3 or so more justices even further altering the makeup. The Senate and The House are controlled by the Republicans and Democrats, respectively. Does America want a more liberal direction? Do we want to stick to the status quo? Or should we go back a Republican-controlled government?

When comparing policy positions, the Republican platform greatly differs from Democrats and vice versa. The Democratic Party is still facing an intra party battle over the direction of the party, whether it be to sit in the middle or lurch further to the left. Democratic voters will have a chance to begin voting in the primaries beginning next week for whom they believe is the best representation of the party. Up and down the ballot, from congressional candidates to presidential candidates, individuals will be nominated by the power of our vote. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican or Independent, weigh in to democracy instead of sitting back eating ice cream on the sofa.

For further election information or to get educated on your candidates, check out this link.