With the upcoming election, everyone I know is suddenly an expert on the American political system. Everyone has an opinion that they view as fact, and will defend these “facts” until their last breath (or at least until the election is over).

I myself am not a huge fan of either of the options I find myself forced to choose between, but I’m not here to argue politics. I find that the issue that is bothering me the most about this election is not actually the candidates themselves, so much as people’s response to them.

The more people who I talk with, the more people say they simply refuse to vote. This seems to be especially prevalent in my generation, and it honestly baffles me. What I think these people don’t realize is that by not voting, you are giving up your voice. They seem to think that by abstaining from the vote, they’re “sticking it to the man” or some other such nonsense. But here’s the thing; if you care enough about the issue to make me sit through a full hour and a half of political debate with our friends while I’m trying to enjoy my bread bowl at Panera, you obviously value your voice and you obviously care.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should vote for someone you don’t believe in. If it is your opinion that either Trump or Clinton would be detrimental to our country, then by all means, don’t vote for them. However, if you feel that strongly about the issue, make your point by voting independent, or even writing in a candidate. You could even vote for that one guy with the boot on his head who runs in every election.

(This dude right here, his name is Vermin Supreme.)

And I know many people in my generation are still “feeling the Bern,” and if you are of the inclination, then write him in!

(I’m sure he would be overjoyed to still have your vote, just look at that face.)

My point is, if our system isn’t working for you, staying silent is probably the worst thing you can do. It goes beyond doing nothing — staying silent about this also puts you at fault for whatever the outcome may be. It might not seem like it, but your vote does mean something. I’m not here to step on anyone’s opinions on the matter (although I will privately judge it), but I am here to say that since our ancestors worked so hard to give us a voice, it would be a shame to waste it.

So, in conclusion, if you choose to remove yourself from the voting process and not be involved, I don’t want to hear your opinion on the matter because it doesn’t concern you. Plus I would really like to have just one lunch in peace.