We've all heard it before.
We have all heard an adult at some point in our lives say, "Why should I vote? It's not like my vote counts anyway."
In 2012, roughly 58 percent of eligible voters actually voted in the presidential election. In the grand scheme of things, that means a great deal of people did not vote. Imagine what the results could have been if we had 100 percent voter turnout.
Of course, not every single person is going to vote. I'm sure most of them have their reasons, whether they feel it is useless or that none of the candidates deserve their vote.
But we are the new generation.
We are the new generation who, now, more than ever, is loaded with student debt, and we live in a country where minimum wage does not equate to a living wage. Now, more than ever, our vote counts.
I know large droves of people my age support Bernie Sanders, as do I. People say he can't win because of the media blackout on him and support from big names and endorsements thrown at Hillary Clinton. Imagine if every single eligible millennial voter went out and voted for him. Imagine the landslide in which he could win.
I know not everyone is a Bernie supporter, and that is fine. I do not believe these candidates are truly, inherently evil, no matter how much crap I give Trump or Clinton or any of the other candidates. Deep down, I believe all of the candidates have the same goal, and that is to make the U.S. a safe, great country. Are some ideals more questionable than others? Absolutely. Are some of their practices a bit shady? You bet they are. But, I don't think any of these candidates wants this country to go to hell.
So, my message today not only goes to the Democrats, not only to the Bernie supporters, but to every single person in America who is an eligible voter: Do just that. Vote. Vote for the candidate who you think best represents your ideals and your wants and needs. Please, read up on the candidates. Truly get to know their interests for this nation, and don't listen to everything the media spew at you.
Learn about who you're voting for. Make an informed decision. Then, vote for the one who you think will best lead our nation.
My vote is for Bernie Sanders because his policies and ideas align with what I, as a college student and a future member of the American workforce, want for the future of my country. A different candidate might have different ideals that reflect more what you want, and that is perfectly fine. But do not simply vote for a candidate just because of the political party they fall under.
Educate yourselves, and vote. Use the power we have to elect our own leaders. Let's stop arguing why conservatives or liberals are idiots, and just vote.
The left wing and the right wing are a part of the same bird. Let's help that bird fly instead of letting it crash to the ground.
