I'll confess: I'm tired of hearing about politics day in and day out. I'm 20. Twenty. I'm too young to feel so politically jaded, so done with the entire election process. But, the thing is, politics are important, like it or not. Especially in a presidential race like this one.

Now, I try to not be biased. If someone has a different point of view than I do, I try to look at things from their eyes. I ask myself, "How could they agree with this?" Doesn't mean I agree; I understand, and those are two fundamentally different things. But, this election season, I can safely say that I'm baffled, especially at the alarmingly loud contingent of people who do not plan on voting.

There are people who aren't planning on voting because they're "neutral". People who aren't voting because they don't agree with who's left of the candidates. People who aren't voting just to "stick it to the man".

Granted, I can't force you to vote. I'm not trying to guilt-trip you into voting, since guilt-tripping is awful, and I hate when people do it to me. So, it's your choice. But, if you happen to be passionate about any of the many issues being discussed this election season, you should try to go out and vote, if possible. So, if you've been on the fence about whether or not you want to vote, then maybe I can persuade you to do so.

I know it's not easy to go out and vote for some Americans. I know that there are voter laws that actively discriminate against voters of color. I know that some people are not physically able to get to the ballots. I also know that some people have forgotten to register to vote for an absentee ballot by accident. So, I know that saying, "Go and vote!" is easier said than done, and fully acknowledge that. If you cannot vote due to any of those reasons, then I totally understand.

Still, if you are able to do so, please vote if you can. There's a lot on the line here. Women's rights. LGBTQIA+ rights. Environmental research and possible destruction. Minority rights.

We have a candidate who is the embodiment of everything bad about white privilege. Male privilege. Privilege as a construct. A xenophobic narcissist. A president who, if he gets elected, could sue me for even mentioning his likeness in this article in a negative manner. A candidate who is so fundamentally lacking in the basic trait of human empathy that he lambasted a mourning mother for not speaking during her husband's speech about their fallen son's death, when she was barely able to keep it together on stage. Who called women "dogs". Who mocked the disabled, and, did I mention the racism? 'Cause that's definitely there too. I probably don't even need to give examples, but if you need them, there you go.

Granted, on the other side of the political aisle, we also have a candidate who hasn't been as open as she should be from time to time. Who has engaged in dubiously-moral behavior? A candidate who attacked women for speaking out against her husband's sexual harassment against them. A candidate whose policies have flip-flopped time and time again as seen fit. And, of course, both she and the other main candidate are under federal investigation.

To say that neither candidate is perfect would be an understatement. But, in my view (in case it wasn't clear already), and in the views of many, one of them is far more dangerous than the other. I can't be neutral when someone's "opinion" threatens fundamental human rights.

Still, no matter which way you vote, or don't, please know that you cannot afford to be "neutral" this election. You can join a local political group that matches your views. Help a campaign, local or national, that fits your world view. You don't necessarily have to vote, but I'd highly recommend doing so.

So, please. Please, for the love of all that is good, no matter what you do this election season, don't be "neutral". By being neutral, you squander a chance at using your voice. This year's election, we as a nation are going to need it more than ever.