Every four years, the United States of America must (metaphorically) convene together to decide who will become the representative of our nation. And every four years, the number of eligible voters in the United States seems to fluctuate. In 2012, only a little over 50% of eligible voters actually cast their ballots in November. That seems to be the trend, not voting while the president already in office is running. Now that President Barack Obama’s term is coming to an end, America is once again gathering at the polls to make a change in rule. For each year of the upcoming term is a reason as to why you should help influence what kind of changes America will undergo.
1. It is our constitutional right
The whole reason for having a democracy is so that we, as American people, can have a say in what happens within our country! Not only can we propose potential laws (albeit through a very tedious process of bills and lobbying), but we can CHOOSE the very person that represents the United States and has a large say in how laws will be implemented! No matter if an individual has been silenced before, that very voice adds another decibel to the SCREAM of an entire group supporting a presidential candidate. There are so many other countries fighting endlessly to have the opportunity we do in electing our national leader; let’s not take that privilege for granted. <>
2.It is our future
My 86-year-old neighbor is going out to the polls come November because to her, it is “important that good values are instilled by her leader.” I do not deny this statement, not for any American of any age. I am most certainly not accusing my sweet and accepting neighbor of being trapped in her 1950’s mindset of pro-segregation and anti-gay marriage, but what if she was? These were popular opinions of her time, so who is to say that other elderly citizens aren’t still thinking that way? I know there are changes that people of our generation want from world leaders and policies that we want to remain intact. Who is going to be the advocate of our generation if the only people voting are much older? Our future chief of justice will have an impact on the world we live in for the next four, or eight, or 20, maybe even 50 years. It is our duty to get to the polls to choose who we want to implement those changes for our lives, and the lives of generations to come.
3. It is free
In this week alone, I have spent money on five food outings, three jackets, and two pairs of boots (thank you Chipotle, Forever 21 and Steve Madden sales). Along with gas, groceries, and quick drugstore runs, I have spent over $200, THIS WEEK ALONE. But you know what I won’t be spending money on in November? Casting my vote! Yes, my fellow millennials, voting is free! But failing to do so can have costly effects in the way you want to live your life if the elected candidate does not share your same values. You know how much your Wendy’s 4 for $4 costs, but can you put a price tag on your future as an American citizen?
4. It is history in the making
Whether you help to vote for the first female president, or the first president to ever have a net worth greater than all past presidents combined, you would still be voting for the first president to be of a certain category. Unpopular opinions may be true about each candidate, but that won’t stop one of them from becoming the next leader of the free world. Time does not stop for anyone, especially not for you. History will be made, so choose if you will support #ImWithHer or #MakeAmericaGreatAgain, and become a part of the movement!
Your vote is needed in only a little over a month. Become educated about the candidates and what they stand for, and decide who you will stand behind during the 2016 presidential elections!
