Tis the season to get out their and vote. I know, not a very pleasant outlook on both parties for this year's election. Although, voting is the most important civic responsibilities that shape our Democratic Republic. Voting not only gives Americans the right to choose an executive, but it is a sort of basic principle to our natural rights. If we lose this by means of not voting, it will effect you and the country as a whole.
First, lets take a look at who you're actually voting for. According to the Library of Congress, you're actually voting for a slate of electors. (a.k.a the Electoral College) The electors that cast the votes, decide who your next president and vice president will be. This does not mean that your vote is not taken into consideration, but rather you determine the electoral vote in your state. It's pretty neat if you think about it, because thanks to our founding fathers the use of electors would give the country a fair and just way of electing a representative executive with people who know exactly what to look for. It may seem a bit complex but here's how it goes about:
Think of the Electoral College as the collection of 538 votes, this is the number of senators (100 senators/2 per state) and the number of House of Representatives (438 representatives/ distributed by population.) These 538 votes in the Electoral College aren't given to the people but instead divided amongst the states. Each state gets 3 votes (Since their are 3 electors in the District of Colombia) and the remaining are given out by the population of the states.
Democratic and Republican candidates are each trying to add up the electors in every state so they can surpass 270 electoral votes and at least win the popular vote in each state.
So you get the gist. But here's where you come in, without you, their wouldn't be electors to help cast the vote. Many young individuals in our generation don't know how important it is to take part in the countries well being. You here it from your professors and parents all the time, "You will be the leaders of our country one day." They do have a point, by taking the time to learn more about politics, we can decide who can help the country.
It's about looking for individuals who can create even better social, economical, and political changes. Who knows, maybe even you can make that difference. It all starts with your vote.
If you haven't registered, there is still time. For more information on how to register visit www.usa.gov/register-to-vote. Or visit your local DMV or campus center. The deadline to register online, mail, or in person is October 14th.
