With the upcoming presidential election, I've heard on campus the disillusion of students either believing their vote doesn't matter or searching for higher education abroad if Donald Trump does indeed win the Republican nomination and 2016 presidency.

It seems as if a majority of students on campus have accepted the narrative that they indeed cannot usher in change through voting.

Whether it's due to lack of knowledge about our nation's politics, disbelief in our nation's government, or just waiting until an older stage of life where you begin to care about politics; students on campus aren't wanting to take a chance in this year's election.

I'm here to tell you that your vote does matter!

We are apart of a generation that is bigger than our parents' and grandparents' generation which means if we collectively vote; then we can decide who we want representing us in local, state, and federal government instead of the current voting generation who only votes for elected officials who care about securing Social Security benefits.

Don't get me wrong Social Security is important! Even though with the current state of things, our generation won't receive them.

Don't let the current state of our election season discourage you from voting!

I know it's difficult to believe after seeing the debates, hearing the uneducated statements from candidates, and overhearing your friends, faculty, and others on social media post things like "Our nation is going to hell!", "Make America Great Again", and prayers for our nation; that your vote isn't going to make a difference

But your vote does make a difference!

You may not see it at first, but you did influence change in our nation's political atmosphere!

Vote in the officials you best believe represent you and your community best!

Your vote represents one of the founding principles America was found on, its citizens being involved and participating in its elections; especially if you are a woman and/or person of color, your vote was fought for decades ago, so let's vote to honor those who came before you.

Whether you're Democrat, Independent, Republican, Libertarian or another third-party, it's time to have your voice be heard in your state and national capital!!

I know that students know what is happening in our nation's government, because I see it all over social media!

So put your voice, where your tweets are, and get involved!

If you don't know how, your campus has a Young Democrats or Republicans student organizations, so get out there and vote!