It’s no secret that the 2016 election is an important one. The election has been passionate, disheartening and dirty but it remains undeniably important. The next president will control the United States’ trajectory over the next four years but their legacy can live on far longer. It’s nearly impossible to imagine America without the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy or FDR. Yet, every four years, more than one-third of all Americans make the worst choice of all by not registering to vote.

This week marks the deadline for voter registration throughout much of the United States. Almost half of the states in America will require voters to register before the end of this week, fortunately, it is easier than ever to register to vote. Voters throughout much of the nation can register in person, online and even via text, yet many American’s have yet to register to vote.

Millennials have come to rival baby boomers, taking up 31 percent of the electoral vote, yet many individuals between the ages of 18 to 35 still do not vote. In the 2012 elections, only half of eligible millennials actually made it to the polls.

The right to vote is considered an inalienable right within the United States. It serves to allow Americans to affect change, and ensures that the government is able to reflect the people they represent. Nevertheless, this representation remains new to American Democracy.

Throughout much of the nation’s history, only wealthy, white, landowning men were able to select national leaders. Yet, through fearless acts of rebellion, campaigning and initiative, the ability to select our leaders has been afforded to women and people of minority backgrounds. Countless individuals have given their time, energy and ultimately their lives in order to ensure that all Americans are allowed to participate in the US political system. Moreover, millions of Americans have risked their lives fighting in the military to preserve these freedoms.

By neglecting to submit a ballot, citizens are willingly eschewing their hard earned rights, allowing a selective group to people to decide the leaders for the remainder of the nation and ultimately abandoning a notion that countless individuals gave their lives for.

I have made no secret of who I intend to support on November 8. However, I am willing to accept either option as long as they are chosen democratically, by the United States population as a whole, and not by a politically literate few. Voting is a fundamental, yet hard won privilege for the American people, and should be treated as such. This week, take a few minutes to check out this website, or send a few texts to make sure your name gets registered to the ballot. It’s easier than ever to register to vote. There is no excuse for avoid doing so, because this is an important election and your vote matters.