We're in the midst of an intense presidential election and at this point, there is less than a month to go until Americans across the country will share their voice. It is clear that America is very partisan and each side is trying to overwhelm the other. Yet as reported by Metro Boston newspaper there are many people who might not vote even though they're registered, "Ultimately, the candidates’ goal was to sway the undecided voters who make up a huge 36 percent of the electorate right now. 'This year’s surplus of undecided voters is not composed primarily of people certain to vote who are trying to decide between Clinton or Trump. Many of them are trying to decide whether to vote or not,' New York magazine’s Ed Kilgore said."
My humble opinion is that everyone should vote! I'll say it again everyone should vote! If you are over 18, register and vote, now to convince you here are five reason people typically cite for not voting and my counter arguments. Also, all the links and references are for MA residents, but check out your local websites and offices (or just google it) for your state's procedures.
1. Both candidates are terrible and whoever I vote will just be the lesser of two evils.
Please share your voice through a vote, because you don't actually have to vote for either of the candidates. You are always free to vote for someone else. Vote for a third party candidate, vote for your favorite celebrity, vote for yourself. But put your thoughts down let the counters know you are not happy with the main choices, put your voice down for the issues on your states ballot. Don't listen to those who say it's a wasted vote. More than anything, don't let the election pass without putting your thoughts out there. Try not to get into the partisan mindset, because yes some of us aren't going to be entirely happy with the results of the upcoming election; at least you know you shared your voice.
2. I don't know enough
Honestly, none of us know "enough." There's always a risk in a society where the majority has the ability to vote. Ignorant people are going to vote. All of us are ignorant of some issue or aspect of American life; the hope is that through the diversity of our knowledge and experiences we'll be able to make good decisions as a nation. Men and Women need to vote. Trans people need to vote. Gay people need to vote. Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian people need to vote. Educated, poor, rich, racist, holy, any-kind-of-person-you-can-think-of needs to vote. And if you feel you don't know enough on an issue, read up about it, knowing a little is better than nothing at all. I can't promise that the perfect choice will be made out of this (and all of us could argue our perfect choice), but the mostly good enough choice can and will happen when we all share our voice.
3. My vote doesn't really count
Actually, it really does. Despite what many people think America is not a strict democracy. We vote and because of our votes our representative (those in the electoral college) votes for who should be the president. The electoral college members are making their decision based off of our votes, and my best friend Terra had this to say about her part in the election this year, "Hello it is I, newly signed up ballot counter in this upcoming election, urging you to register, research, and yes vote. So, if I don't count your vote, (because you vote in a different location) someone else will! Voting matters, it counts, and you should do it! Also in related news, if you call your town office and ask they might have openings for ballot counters.(Because that's what I did!)." You can sign up in MA to help with the polls here. And if you have more questions about the electoral college check it out here.
4. I won't be able to get to my voting town
This is why we have a wonderful thing called absentee ballots. You can apply for a ballot at any time, but your ballot has to be delivered by noon the day before the election, that would be November 7 at noon. So the sooner you send in the form to request a ballot the sooner you'll get it in the mail. Make sure you send it in with plenty of time so that your local ballot counter can include your voice!
5. I'm not registered
Luckily it's super easy to register to vote in Massachusetts. You can do so online all you need is to be over 18 it's an easier process if you have a state ID or license, but you can actually register without any identification. If you go to the State Secretary's website, you can check if you're registered to vote, register to vote online, or get a form to take to your local election office. Just make sure you do so by Wednesday, October 19, 2016!
Now you have no excuse, so make sure you vote on Tuesday, November 8th. Happy voting!
