While at Starbucks one day during my break at work, I overheard *eavesdropped on* (they were talking really loudly) people discussing our two greatly loved candidates for president, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. One of them exclaimed "well, they both suck a**. I'm not voting for either one". The second guy says "I was gonna vote for the Jill Stein lady, but she tweets too much. I probably won't vote either". Now, I understand the discontent with our choices this election, but will I still be at the polls when the time comes? Absolutely. Here's why you should be too.
1. Voting isn't just a right, it's a privilege many people have not had
In the history of the United States, not everyone was always given the right to freely vote in elections. Women and minority groups have had to fight for the right to vote. Some American felons are not allowed to vote depending on where they live. In other countries like Saudi Arabia, women are still not allowed to vote. Look at North Korea; definitely no voting going on there. If you are lucky enough to have the ability to vote, do it. This 12 year old is doing his part for the campaign by literally RUNNING A CAMPAIGN OFFICE, and he isn't even of voting age yet! If you have the privilege to vote, exercise it.
2. You don't have to vote for one of the Donald or Hillary
If you are reallllly not feeling either of the major political party choices, there are a lot of write in candidates you can choose instead. Spend a little time researching some of these candidates before election day; you may be pleasantly surprised by what you find.
3. People really don't want to hear your disapproval of the winner if you didn't give your input
I remember back in the 2012 election how people were complaining about Obama's win. It was shocking to find out how many people really didn't participate for one reason or another, like "my vote isn't going to change anything". Does the term "swing states" mean nothing to you? Literally defined as states where no one candidate has an expected majority of the votes...aka a bunch of "I don't know" people these candidates are trying to snatch up. or "I didn't feel like waiting in line". But you feel like complaining for the next four years...cool. A couple hours to voice your opinion on a nationwide issue seems pretty worth standing in line for.
Bottom line: if you can vote, please do.
