Ah, millennials. Wildly known today as the most politically correct generation, many millennials have now reached the age where they can vote in this year's presidential election. As I've discussed with friends and peers about who they may possibly vote for, I've found myself shocked to hear that the most common response is "Well, I don't want to vote for Trump or Hillary, so I'm just not voting."
I'm sorry....what?
While I completely understand the frustrations of choosing between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, I will never understand the mentality of not exercising your right to vote. I'm dumbfounded that certain individuals my age truly believe that the best option is to opt out of the nation's largest poll, for the position of highest power.....as if not voting would neither elect Hillary or Trump. I hate to break it to you sweetheart, but one will find his or her way to the White House, whether you choose to vote or not. So, with that being said, I'm sure you'll be quick to fire back, "Well if one will be elected regardless, why does my one vote matter?" Your one vote matters because you are an American, a person of privilege who has the ability to elect a leader that you see fit (and if you don't see anyone fit to lead, choose the lesser evil). There are times in life when you are forced to make a decision where neither choice is favorable, yet a decision still needs to be made.
For my ladies out there, I'd like to remind you all that women were granted the right to vote in 1920, not even a century ago. 96 years ago, women were given the right to vote, only after thousands were imprisoned, and some beaten. So as you choose to forego said right, I ask that you remember all of the women who came before you, who fought so valiantly for the right you so freely dismiss.
For my black brothers and sisters born and bred in the states, I'd also like to kindly remind you that your right to vote was also fought for, to simply be acknowledged as a whole human being, rather than the three-fifths that history portrays you as. 1869 was your year, a year that granted you the opportunity for your voice to be heard, to give you the ability to elect a leader who will fight for the rights of all Americans, not just white Americans. So as you trash your voter registration, think of the men and women who encountered adversity, but overcame said adversity to grant you the opportunities that they were unfortunately not given.
And for those who don't identify as either black or a woman, don't think you're off the hook. There are certain countries around the world that don't consider themselves democratic nations and their citizens suffer in silence, as they have absolutely no say in who runs their country, as well as how it is run. You live in a nation where your voice, no matter small it may be, has the ability to be heard. How dare you not exercise your right to vote. How dare you willingly silence your voice, while so many are dying to be heard.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
