Turning 18 is a huge milestone for many in America and around the world because it means new freedom and the ability to make independent decisions without another adult. Some people may find this daunting, but others liberating and freeing. In the United States, turning 18 means being able to vote. Be it in the local elections, state elections or a presidential election, the freedom to vote is exciting.
In 2016, we are facing one of the more...interesting presidential elections. The Republican Party nominated a man who seems to be less than fit for the role of president and the Democrats have nominated a woman who has a controversial past. Both candidates have something valuable to offer the country, but there are excellent reasons to vote against them as well. The other leading candidate is less well-known and also has some questionable characteristics, but may be what we need. At the end of the day, this election season is rather disappointing.
For those of us who just turned 18 and were able to vote in the primaries and then in the final election, there are some things we looked forward to that simply have not occurred. In the case of someone who has looked forward to voting for years, I am a bit upset with my choices. History is doomed to repeat itself, but we are never going to get back the presidents that made our country great. I can wish all I want, but what I get is standing right in front of me and I'm more than a little disappointed.
As a young woman who has ambitions to become a productive member of the professional world, I want more out of this voting experience. While this election has been incredibly informative and eye-opening, I have less to stand up for and more to settle for. I have to sit down and make a choice rather than stand up and speak my opinion. My opinion is either shut down, ignored or invalid.
My oh-so-important vote in the primaries was non-existent because of the wonderful lack of interesting candidates. I fully respect all of the candidates because the goal they are trying to achieve is not easy. They deserve a bit of my respect and I will give them that. But I will not give my honor to them because I am disappointed. I am disappointed that my millennial voice is going unheard because I have nothing of substance to talk about.
Talking about politics in 2016 had become a huge argument that people will never win. Until we have one of the few candidates in office, the endless argument will never cease to exist. We are sitting ducks, and it honestly disgusts me. I want to get up and do something, but I'm not sure what to fight for. There are few causes in this election that I want to fight for. Until I can, however, I will watch, pray and wait. God knows we need it.
