You see a lot of presidential debate drinking games floating around on social media. While they can provide a good laugh, their astonishing accuracy is quite unsettling. For this reason, I encourage everyone to stick to water tonight.

Many people I’ve talked to have become disillusioned and frustrated with the state of American politics. For many of my peers, this will be their first opportunity to vote in a presidential election. Not surprisingly, a lot of us are pretty disappointed with our options. I can’t and won’t speak for everyone, and of course I respect all varying political views and opinions; however, I can attest to my own opinion as well as those that have been shared with me. These candidates do not represent the America we want to see. I’m sure everyone would like to see America be “great” and I would love to see a woman president as much as the next girl, but I certainly wouldn’t pledge my vote to a candidate purely on the basis of gender.

The truth is, neither candidate is offering the perfect solutions to the variety of issues facing our country today. That said, every vote counts and everyone needs to use their voice and exercise their fundamental right. Let’s vote. Let’s go out and speak up. If we aren’t satisfied, we should make sure our dissatisfaction is heard. Maybe you hate both candidates, perhaps you’re a die-hard Trump supporter or you stand with her. Maybe you’re still feeling the Bern (if so, still go out and vote for the party’s nominee; do not throw your vote away!). Regardless of who you support, someone is going to win this election, and that someone is going to affect your future. You have to decide what you want that future to be like.

I’ll be the first to admit that, so far, the debates between Clinton and Trump have been more twisted entertainment than viable political material. That said, if you can get past all the subtle, and not so subtle, exchange of insults and petty critiques, there is something to be learned from these debates.

Words have power. Words are the visible display of internal character and beliefs. Actions matter too of course, but for the sake of the debate, let’s focus on the words. Take note of what is said. Get out your cell-phone and fact check unforgivingly. Think about who you want speaking for you, who you want to represent you and your future in this country. I won’t tell you who is right and who is wrong, although I have a very explicit and decisive answer to that question when it comes to my own opinion on who should be president; however, I will tell you this: find a TV, or a laptop, or a cellphone, and a comfy place to sit, round up your family, your friends, or even just yourself, and watch this debate.

Stay sober, listen up, and get passionate about the issues that matter to you. America needs to pay attention, and so do you.