In a time where there is so much tension in America, the act of voting is even more important now than it ever has been. Whether you are satisfied, upset, or unsure about the current state of our country one thing is clear: your vote counts. It makes a difference whether you believe it or not.

You may be someone who thinks that your vote doesn't count, so why bother? Well, you're not the only person that thinks this way and when so many people decide not to vote because of this belief it ends up making a huge difference.

There is no reason not to vote. Also, please don't waste your vote. So many people have voted for "Harambe" or other ridiculous things in the past and I wonder if those people are still satisfied with their votes today. Be serious about your vote because it could be the deciding factor of how things turn out. Do your research before you go to the polls. It will make your life easier and you can make an informed decision. It is also smart to check multiple sources and make sure they are reliable so you are getting truthful information. Being an informed voter is being a smart and responsible citizen.

If you have the ability to vote and don't, you can't complain. I'm not talking about people who are not of age or simply can't vote for some reason out of their control. If you can vote and simply choose not to, you are part of the problem.

This is bigger than any political party. It doesn't matter if you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or anything else. Don't get me wrong, voting is hard, but it is necessary. The truth is there will never be a candidate that will share your values and beliefs 110%. This is why I personally don't think the party system works, but that's a different issue.

I don't care who you vote for, just that you vote. I understand that people have different beliefs and perspectives. Not everyone has had the same experiences that I have had throughout my life. America needs to remember that we as individuals are not defined by our political party or who we vote for. There is so much more to a person. Chances are, I won't always agree with everything about the candidates I vote for because, again, no one will ever fit into all of my ideals. I consider myself fiscally conservative and socially liberal, but sometimes I have opinions that differ from even these standards. Also, there aren't a lot of candidates who encompass both of these categories, so I do my best when I vote.

Please go out and vote. Everyone should make their voice heard. It doesn't matter if its a ballot for the smallest of issues or for the leader of our country. All elections are important and you are an integral part of every one of them.