After the 2016 presidential elections occurred last week, protesters have taken to the streets, completely against the decision of the country. Even now, protests are still continuing in major cities, including Portland, and several colleges and universities consist of student bodies that are also against Donald Trump's nomination. Safe to say, the results have divided America, and prompted thousands to participate in these protests across the country.

However, I personally fail to see what these protesters are attempting to accomplish with their actions or what their motivations are.

And so it is time that I take the chance to address them:

To Those Protesting The Election,

I understand that many of you are disappointed and dissatisfied with the results of the election. Especially, if you backed Hillary Clinton from the beginning with passion and vigor, only to see the campaign meet its unfortunate end, I can sympathize with that feeling. However, I strongly believe that protests will not be effective in bringing change at this stage in the presidential process, and the protests will certainly not heal our country any further.

Specifically, if your motive for going out to protest lies solely in the fact that Donald Trump won the election, then I question whether you support the democratic process for voting. As of now, there is no reason to believe that any voter fraud or rigging of the election had ever occurred in the first place, especially with the odds stacked against him in the first place. The American people spoke, and while the majority of voters did go for Clinton, the majority of supporters have accepted the election and moved on with their lives, hoping for the best regardless of their political preferences.

It also concern that over half of those protesting and eligible to vote never even voted in the first place. I honestly find this extremely disappointing, and I find no sympathy for those who never even took the time to go to the polls to vote for Clinton, yet are protesting against the results in the election. If I hadn't voted in the election, I would have to be accountable for not doing so. However, if you were so worried about Donald Trump becoming president, it would have been in your best interests to vote for your preferred candidate.

The 2016 elections have no doubt divided us. However, as we live in a democratic country where we are blessed with even having the privilege to vote and participate in some regard as to who the administrator, the commander in chief, the spokesperson of the country may be. Let this election process be a lesson to all: stand by your principles and value your own beliefs