November 6th was Election Day. It's always important to vote, but in our current political climate and with recent events, it's absolutely necessary to head out to the voting booths. And honestly, it's important to turn out for every election regardless of what's going on. Here are just a few reminders as to why you should always vote.
It's a HUGE opportunity to make change
I'm sure you've heard the saying "You can't complain unless you vote." Well...you can't. If you don't like the way things in this country are being run, then voting is your way to change those things. This is the time when you can show your support for the politicians who are fighting for the same issues as you. Where you can make sure the politicians that are not doing a great job don't get re-elected. Your one vote may not seem like it will make a difference, but when you combine it with the thousands of other voices, that is when change happens. Your vote is your voice and it does matter.
People have fought for this right and you’re wasting it
So many men and women marched for the right to vote. Not long ago, certain groups of people did not have a voice in this country, and they did something about it. Without the actions of those people, we would not have the 19th Amendment which allowed women to vote, or the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War. These were major milestones in American history. Therefore, when people choose not to vote, it is basically telling those people everything they fought for doesn't matter.
Younger generations will be directly impacted by your current choice to vote/not vote
Voting Barack Obama GIF by Democratic National Convention - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphyStatistically, older generations are the primary group of people who register to vote and actually show up. Therefore those older generations are the ones deciding the future for the younger generations. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2016, people at the age of 65 and older had a voter turnout of more than 70%, while the percentage of 18-29 year olds was below 50%. The majority of those older people probably won't be here to experience the changes they voted for. However, younger generations will be directly impacted. Our generation should be in charge of our future government.
It's your right
Being patriotic doesn't just include wearing red, white and blue at a barbecue on the 4th of July. Voting is also a big part of being patriotic. It's a privilege that not every country has. Be grateful that you are offered this opportunity and make the most of it! Use your freedom and contribute to one of the most significant parts of our country: the government. Use your voice to support issues that you believe in.
Be a part of history!
If change happens and history is made, you can say you helped contribute to that change. You voted for the politician that enacted a change. You contributed! You can tell your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that you contributed to a major change in America.
