Yes, you read that correctly.

I am not voting during the 2016 election. Before we go further, let me clear up your misconceptions that are jumping into your head: 1. I am apathetic 2. I am young and uneducated 3. I don't know enough about politics 4. I am the reason the country is the way it is 5. I have no right to complain about political choices our leaders make when I didn't exercise my right to vote.

Here is my response to each of those presumed thoughts about me: 1. I am, actually, not apathetic. I really do care about my country and my government. I like to know that the leaders who are representing me on a local, state, and nationwide platform represent my views. I know this isn't always the case, but I like to know I, at least, voted for those people who hopefully fight for what matters to me. 2. Age should never be a determinant in ones ability to vote. There is a reason we are taught about government in high school so that at the most basic level we can understand how things run. As for being educated, I hold a Masters degree. I know how to read. I know how to dissect an argument. I know how to weigh opinions and come to a conclusion that meets the need of the argument being presented. I am sure that is shocking, what someone so educated doesn't know better than to vote. Again, I am not dumb; this is a calculated move. 3. I actually know a fair bit about politics. I enjoy keeping track of the laws being made and passed by my representative. I want to know that the money I am forced to pay in taxes isn't all wasted on ridiculous hidden agendas places deep inside larger bills. In fact, did you know that many of the bills passed have compromises written in that have nothing to do with the main subject matter of the bill? For example, the House and Senate can pass a bill on environmental reform, but buried in the details could be a decrease in taxes on cigarettes as a concession to other representatives to get their by-off on passing a bill. Shocking, isn't it? 4. I am not the reason this country is in the state that is it. The country is in the current state of affairs due to politicians, due to the 1% making choices for the 90% of the population, we are in this state because big corporations went unchecked for so long. It is not because I will not be voting this year. 5. I am still allowed to complain. I can complain because of the reason I am not voting.

I have made the heavy choice not to vote this year because when I look at the presidential candidates currently running for their parties, I see no one that I want to vote for. I look at the candidates and see not one of them that represents a majority of my ideals. And I am not just talking about the persona played in front of us through the media.

I have taken the time to go on each candidates page - with the exception of Donald Trump; I would never even waste one minute of my time on that piece of trash. I went on to Ted Cruz's page to see where he stood on issues, and while there are a few points I see that we can agree upon, when I dig a little deeper there are a lot that causes me concern and pause. The other thing about Ted Cruz is the persona that he presents; his persona isn't very strong. I look at him, and I try and imagine him meeting with other world leaders, and I see someone who cannot stand strong, proud, and build relationships that will help support the American people. I get it, "appearance" shouldn't matter when we look at candidates, but if I can't even buy into you looking like a strong leader, how can I trust you behind closed doors? I don't think I can. I am sorry, I don't need another Bush-style presidency to live through.

Next, I come to Hillary Clinton. I am sure the women of the world are looking at me and saying, "You're an educated woman! You should want more for women! Hillary is the answer!" I'm sorry, Hillary isn't MY answer. First of all, in almost 100% of her political platforms I disagree. I literally can find NOTHING that she promotes and represents that I can say "Yes! Yes, girl, you get me!" I tend to lean more conservative, and I am not sorry about it. Those are my views and my choice. Hillary isn't the woman for the job. I have no problem with a female president, but Hillary isn't it. (Additionally, don't think I would promote Pallin, she is an idiot of the highest degree).

Last is Bernie Sanders. I will admit, I was honestly thinking about voting for him. A lot of what he has to say resonates with me. A majority of his platforms appeal to me. How he approaches, the issues of today make me say "Yes, he gets it!" There is still a nagging in the back of my brain. Will he be able to affect any change? Because of his years in politics has he built too many enemies in the House and the Senate? How will he be building relationships with our allies? Lastly, will he even survive his term? I'm sorry to be morbid, but being president is hard work, look at poor President Obama, he is looking worse for the wear of two terms. I don't know that Bernie Sanders can survive a full term. Then who will that leave us with?

I keep trying to force myself to find a candidate that may have a hidden gem in them. Someone I can get behind, but at best I am lukewarm in my support. Which is what got me thinking, "Why the hell am I voting when I don't even fully support a candidate?" I am honestly very happy for the friends around me who have found someone who represents them and their views. That is great! I hope you can keep that fervor and pace the rest of this race. As for me, I will silently take a step back and continue to watch as things unfold.

I will be sitting here with a pen in my hand, taking notes and gathering evidence. I just can't throw myself, and my very important vote, into a fray and have it mean nothing. When I vote, I want it to be with passion. To be a representation of my views. My opinions. My educated CHOICE. And because voting is about exercising our choice, this year I will abstain and wait for someone more worthy of my choice.