This election season has been controversial at best and downright divisive at worst. The United States is now being forced to choose between possibly the worst candidates in history: one who is subversive, corrupt, and only seeking more power and a pseudo-conservative liberal wildcard who can't stop running his mouth to even try save his campaign. Faced with these options, many Americans have pledged not to vote this election cycle. This week, I'm here to give you reasons why you should, in spite of your options.
1. There's more on the ballot than just the president!
In Florida alone there will be 4 major measures, addressing issues like solar energy and medical marijuana legalization, on the ballot in November. This is besides the Senate seat that's up for grabs and, of course the headliner, the Presidential vote. It is perfectly fine to pick and choose the things you vote for but don't abandon the ballot box entirely because of a personal aversion to Hillary or Donald.
2. "The system is rigged" is not a good enough answer.
If the system is so rigged that it truly does ignore your vote you have the right to protest. You have the right to question the results. Heck, there are supreme court cases that have decided elections in recent memory. On the other hand if the electoral college is so out of line with the public vote that its bordering on corruption it's much easier to claim fraud. If you choose not to vote because you think your voice will not be heard, then your voice will be effectively silenced because you never spoke up to begin with.
3. This election will easily define the course of American politics for the next 10 years.
The primaries and conventions have served as an epic pregame to the destruction of the American political system. Bernie's political revolution has created a new spring of young liberals running for office on his platform. The rigging of the Democratic primaries has given rise to fresh demands for political transparency and anti-corruption efforts. Trump's campaign has created a new level of nationalism among his supporters and also created a reactionary anti-American movement (see "America was never great"). We haven't even gotten to walls and trade agreements and international policy. With both of the major parties facing major divisions internally it's no wonder third parties have picked up so much popularity with Jill Stein and Gary Johnson being discussed as alternatives to Trump and Clinton. This election truly has become a turning point in American history.
4. The Supreme Court is at stake.
Americans can vote for the members of local, state, and federal government. But sometimes votes have implications in the places where Americans cannot vote and this election cycle one of them is the Supreme Court. The death of Antonin Scalia in February has created a huge imbalance and puts social issues like guns and abortion on top of the heap. The hole is currently being maintained by House Republicans in the hope that a Trump presidency will produce a more conservative nomination for the right-winged Scalia than the current nominee Merrick Garland. However, there is a risk that a Clinton presidency could produce an even more liberal nomination.
5. You can vote: show your appreciation and do it.
The United States is unique in many ways. One of those ways is the level of respect we have for our Constitution and the way it protects our rights, the way we understand that those rights are inborn in us and that the constitution only serves to ensure they are explicit. The 26th Amendment guarantees your right to vote. Not every nation in the world recognizes that the people should have a say in their governing body and totalitarian regimes all over the world regularly take away that right from the would-be electorate. Voting gives you special power and with that power comes great responsibility. Don't let yourself down.
