With only two weeks away from Election Day, some voters are still debating on whether they should participate in this year’s election.
“Neither of the candidates represents what I want as a president,” said America Mendoza, a nursing student at Polk State College. Mendoza is one of the many voters that have decided not to vote this year. The strong dislike of the candidates has pushed voters away from the polls.
Both Democrats and Republicans alike feel disappointed in the nominations their parties made for president. Others feel uncomfortable choosing the lesser of two evils at the polls, “I really don’t want to force myself to choose between two bad candidates when both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump lack the qualities of someone I want running my country,” said Mendoza.
However, many voters believe your dislike of candidates should not push you away from voting. “Even if you can’t see yourself voting for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, look up your local politicians that can represent you and your ideas,” said Sharde Slaw, an intern for Minority Elective Officials. Slaw is a third-time voter this year and she plans on making her voice be heard, “I think my vote matters. It is the only real way for people to know where you stand on platforms and issues,” said Slaw.
Unfortunately, Slaw is among the few young voters that feels that way. Studies have shown that voter turnout is the lowest among young people, “We’re not used to being in a position in which we can influence our lives, so I think young people do not realize the impact their voting has,” said Tatjana Muroski, a senior at Stetson University.
Young people also feel that the system makes it hard to become involved, “Local officials don’t take the time to make themselves known and when you look them up their policy language is hard to understand,” said Mendoza.
Despite the fact that Slaw is voting, she understands why young people may choose to stay home. “There is a lack of identification with the politicians that have been presented and lack of faith that the system can work in their favor,” said Slaw.
Lack of identification and faith have pushed voters to engage in third-party voting. Third-party voting is when voters vote for someone other than the candidates voting for the two major parties, however, some disagree about its effectiveness. “As a political science major, I know that it is highly unlikely for a third-party candidate to win an election, but it’s still important because it makes established parties rethink what they are presenting,” said Slaw.
To vote or not to vote has become an important question in this election and the answer is not an easy one. Different people, with different perspective each have a reason as to why you should engage in this year’s election. However, “Whether you vote or not you still have a responsibility in shaping the world we are going to live in,” said Muroski.
