While the 2016 presidential election is five months away, we need to stress the importance of voting, especially since this is the first election since 2008 where the incumbent – President Obama – cannot run for a third term as seen by the 22nd amendment. Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, get out and vote.
Voting on Election Day has been a tradition in the U.S. for many centuries, starting with the very first election in 1789 when George Washington was elected president. Only six percent of the population voted. Fast-forward to the 2012 election, 126 million voters cast their ballots. However, 93 million eligible citizens did not vote, according to Bipartisan Policy Center.
Sure, the times have changed. The population grew considerably in comparison to the first election. However, despite voting rights spreading out over time, there is still a problem with low voter participation, and this election can either stay with the trend and decrease or increase.
Voting initially started as only allowing male property owners to participate. In the hundreds of years of voting, those rights have expanded to women, young adults, non-property owners (renters, for example), blacks and Latinos. Think of the sacrifices ancestors and those who came before us had to make just so we can vote.
Many argue that they “do not have the time" to vote. I live four hours away from my home county and have voted absentee in my first two elections. This year will remain the same. You have the time to vote. I understand not everyone is interested in politics; however, think about issues that affect you every day. We need someone to represent those views and interests accurately, and the only way that is done is by voting.
If you did not vote in your primary or caucus, that is OK. Not everyone desires to be affiliated with a political party and not every state allows unaffiliated/Independent voters to vote in those elections. If you did vote in the primary season, way to go!
A lot of people say our vote does not count. Many refer back to the 2000 election where Florida needed a recount and the entire election was decided on 537 votes. The Electoral votes are what count in the presidential elections, and that is where the votes come into the game. We do not need another 2000 election, but it is stressing the importance to vote. Your votes help decide who the electoral votes go to in the end. That is what adds up to get the presidency in November, not the popular vote.
With the nominations conventions underway and the primary season winding down, I do not push any candidates nor share who I am voting for in any election. You do not have to share who you voted for by any means. I do appreciate and respect those advocating for their candidates and parties. I do not care if you vote for Trump, Clinton, Sanders or a third-party candidate, just go out and vote! Your vote makes a difference.
