The presidential race is in full swing and your state may have voted already, with that said I hope that you voted. However, there is still plenty of states left that have yet to make their voices heard. If you are contemplating on voting, I am writing this to tell you why you should (not who you should vote for).
First off, if you are a New York City resident it is quite easy for you. You can vote at your assigned polling facility on election day. However, if you are outside your county and state you need to obtain an absentee ballot. This may seem like a hassle, but it is important to have your voice heard. All you have to do is google “absentee ballot” for your state and a website should come up that directs you on what to do. I know this may not seem worth it, but this election season is very important and we have control over it. Before you go ahead and say “Trump will win anyway”, “My vote won’t matter”, or “No matter what, America is going to shit”, please remember that you cannot complain if you did not vote.
Who’s fault is it that you did not get what you wanted in terms of the outcome (not promises never fulfilled because we all know how that goes)? Your vote and attitude towards voting matters. What many people do not realize is that, no, your single vote will not make the election swing one way or another. However, when there are many people who do not show up to the polls because they think their votes will not matter is when opportunities are missed. This is obviously due to a large number of people who do not vote.
Another reason to vote is that it is part of our rights and duties as American citizens, and we are extremely lucky to be able to have a say in our government. Many countries do not give their citizens that right. Be mindful that this is a freedom that we have and that there are men and women protecting our freedoms. The right to vote happens to be one of them.
I know that American politics have changed since the early days, but like anything, they evolved. Before you think, “This is not what George Washington would have wanted”, remember that things do change and, more importantly, it is still a freedom we have been able to keep since this country was founded. Since voting has been around for so long, it is also something we can say we did as well as our ancestors. We may have never used a type writer and our great grandmothers never have used a smartphone, but the one thing we all do/have done is vote.
Overall, remember your vote does matter and to keep a positive attitude so that you do not spread negativity and keep more people home from the polls. Remember that we should not take this right for granted and that it is one of the few ways that have the power to unite all Americans. Sure, everyone has their own opinion on parties and candidates, but everyone can vote (as long as they are eligible), therefore uniting us by the power of democracy.
