Ah, 2016. The year, in the words of Kylie Jenner, when we start "realizing things." Well, if you haven't been living under a giant, politically-repellant rock the last 18 months, you've problem heard a story or two about this little thing we like to call the presidential election. And if you have heard about it, I'm sure you've wanted to shed a tear or two, as well.
This political season and, particularly, presidential election is without a doubt one of the strangest and least conventional ones in our nation's history. Not only has it been historical with a female candidate heading a major party ticket, but with the Republican nominee being Donald Trump, LITERALLY anything goes. Racial remarks. Sexist, misogynistic quips. Shaming former POWs and Gold Star families. And, yes, even fights against the political leaders in YOUR OWN PARTY.
Yet, this is a rant for another time and a different argument. My main point that I'm trying to emphasize is that, given the sheer insanity of this presidential election year, voting is more imperative now than ever. Yet, also given the sheer insanity of this presidential election year, most people would rather stick a needle through their eyes rather than go to the polls. And so, here I am telling you why your vote is essential.
1. Larger turnouts make the democratic process more representative.
The more voices involved in political conversations, the more reflective it is of the general majority's beliefs and ideals. By casting a ballot, you're inviting yourself and the ideas you advocate to the table, giving them validity and deeming them as important.
2. It is not just about the presidential election.
Repeat: IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. With local legislative officials from your hometown as well as members of the Senate and House up for reelection, this election season is full of potentials for you to make your voice heard and greater impact your local communities. While the presidential candidate you vote for may not win the elections, your senators, congressmen and congresswomen, and countless other local officials may. These are the people that will affect your lifestyles and political beliefs most, given that they work for your specific area of the country. This isn't to discredit the role of the presidency, but rather reassure voters that it extends so much beyond that.
3. Even a third party vote has its own impact.
This is probably the most contested point I can make. Many argue against third party voters, because they have the potential of effecting the major party ticket holders (we're all looking right at you, Ralph Nader circa 2000 presidential elections). Yet, third party candidates are terrific options for those who don't agree with either the Republican or Democratic options. It provides legitimacy to your opinions, which over all ought to be validated.
4. Voting is a right that has been earned, and one that many around the world still don't have.
This point in particular has been influential for me, as a young woman, when deciding to register to vote this election year. I know that countless lives have been dedicated for my right to enter into that voting booth, and that is not something I, nor anyone else, should take in vain.
5. It is your voice.
I have sprinkled this logic a few times previously in this post, but that is because I believe it so intensely. Voting is a way to let your voice, existence, identity, and beliefs be known to your country on such a public, national platform. As a citizen of the United States born with the freedom of speech, your words have power and influence. Don't silence yourself in the fear of being muted by others.
Do not suppress your own beliefs and advocacy. Now is the time to be heard. Your words, your ideas, your values, are revolutionary and can change the world and the course of this election, so long as you believe they can.
