Dear People Saying They Won't Vote During This Election,

First off, people fight everyday for the right to vote and you just say: “No thanks. I don’t think I want to”? Look, it’s obviously your choice to vote for whoever you want, even no one if that’s what you want. But that won’t stop someone from becoming president. And if you hate both candidates so much, you should at least pick the one you hate more than the other, and not vote for them.

Personally, I am voting for Hillary Clinton. I can’t say that I love everything about her, but I believe she is a better candidate than Donald Trump. Being 19, this is my first time being able to vote, and even though many people believe these are the two “most unlikeable candidates in history”, I still choose the candidate I feel best represents my values.

Everyone who is able to vote needs to understand that they are having a say in how our country will be run for the next four years. The presidential election is important, but there are other things on the ballot as well. You also have the ability to vote for members of congress on election day, and questions determining what laws might be changed in your state. There is so much more to voting than just picking between Trump and Clinton. You’re helping decide what direction our country is going to go for the next four years, and that is an honor to have.

Personally, #ImWithHer, and you should vote on November 8th if you are too. However, even if you want Trump, Gary Johnson, Jill Stein, or another candidate, I heavily encourage you to vote as well. There are very few times in life when almost everyone has a chance to change our the course our country is taking, and it would be a shame to not be part of it.