Politics can be boring. Politics can seem irrelevant. Politics can seem like a bunch of people yelling at each other. Politics can cause tensions. Yet, politics is extremely important and affects nearly every aspect of our lives.
We have a civic duty to be informed individuals and vote whenever an opportunity presents itself. If we don’t, then we don’t really deserve to take advantage of the benefits that come our way through the political process.
Political activism gets things done. Political activism helped to abolish slavery. Political activism helped earn women the right to vote. Political activism helped to desegregate our society. In our current society, political activism is advocating for the marginalized members of our country. On college campuses around the country, students are fighting to get justice for survivors of sexual assault. The entire history of our country, from the very beginning, is woven with political activism.
Yes, it may feel sometimes that our vote doesn't do much and it may feel pointless to vote. But imagine if everyone had that mindset. Hardly anyone would vote. When you don't vote, you're letting other people decide. You're saying that you don't care what happens.
If you're worried about your vote not counting, then perhaps we should talk about local elections. Fewer people participate in local elections than national elections, so statistically, your vote "matters" more. With these smaller voting areas, a fewer percentage of people participate in local elections because people see them as less important than the presidential election, for example. Local elections directly affect you, with taxes, local option levies and laws concerning drug use.
Even with presidential elections, voter turnout is not what it should be. There are many who don't bother until the general election in November. But voting in primaries and caucusing is extremely important. Even if you're on the losing side, you showed up. You showed support. You showed that you aren't just going to let other people decide for you.
This upcoming presidential election is very controversial and contentious. Educate yourself. Be open to new ideas. Pay attention to the news. Register to vote and vote in primaries, show up to caucuses, donate to campaigns, and show up to the general election in November. Don't let other people decide elections for you. Show that you care.
And this political activism cannot stop after November. Pay attention to issues in your local community. Find issues you're passionate about and rally behind them. Show that you care about your community. Political apathy is not OK.
"Go forth and set the world on fire." -Ignatius of Loyola
