If you are over the age of 18 then this is a message to you. In the past year there has been a media tidal wave of information about the upcoming presidential election, both entertaining and enlightening. As the actual election itself approaches it is important for every person who is legally old enough to vote to do so! Voting is one of the major ways that Americans make our voices heard to our elected politicians and leaders. For some people I believe that they have forgotten how hard our ancestors worked to give us this opportunity to choose our leaders (by decision of the Electoral College.) Let's look at some milestones in our nation's history as it pertains to the rights of its citizens to vote on who they want to be their leaders.

1. Women fought for the right to vote and were finally able to when Congress passed the 19th Amendment on June 4th in the year 1919.

If you are a woman that lives in America it is your duty, to the women who suffered and fought bravely for that right, to vote. We owe much to these courageous women, and to vote in any election is a testament to their efforts. Come on ladies, let your voice be heard no matter who you choose to sit in that comfy looking chair in the Oval Office!

2. Lyndon Jackson passed the law to prevent any legal barriers from stopping African Americans from voting in local and federal elections.

The color of someone's skin is unfortunately still an issue for some people to accept, but that shouldn't stop anyone from from letting their voice be heard. Although in 1870 the Fifteenth Amendment made it possible for anyone, regardless of color, to vote, the discrimination they faced still prevented many from voting. In 1965 Lyndon Jackson passed a law to help eliminate those barriers and allow every persons' voice to be heard. Be proud of your background and never let someone use the color of your skin as a way to hinder your right to vote!

3. Every American has a duty to vote!

Everyone who lives within our borders has a civil duty to vote. No matter your ancestral background, occupation or socioeconomic standing it is important to vote because in voting you're making yourself a part of building the future.

Everyone get out there and make your voice heard!