We all have heard time and time again that this election is going to count for something major. It is completely true, it most definitely will. I am not saying you should vote for Donald Trump or vote for Hillary Clinton. I am saying you should vote because it is an American privilege and because this next election determines a whole lot about our country in the coming years. Samuel Adams, who was one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence says this about voting and the responsibility that lies with it, "Let each citizen remember, at the moment he is offering his vote, that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual—or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society, for which he is accountable to God and his country.” We need to make our votes count and let our voices be heard. Saying, "I am not going to vote because I am informed" is not an excuse. You can go and inform yourself, be prepared. Go vote. Make a difference. Let your voice be heard.
1. When Justice Antonin Scalia passed away in February of 2016 it left a vacant space on the Supreme Court so whoever the next President is has the possibility of filling that seat. President Obama could fill it if he is able to convince the Senate, but the decision could go either way.
2. And to add to that, a lot of the Supreme Court members are aging or retiring; meaning the next president would most likely fill these spots as well. Which means that the whole "chemistry" of sorts of the Supreme Court could be completely altered. Just for your knowledge, the Senate has the power on many different important issues such as the Death Penalty, the Second Amendment, abortion, voting rights, and much more.
3. The United States has grown increasingly intolerant of what it was based and formed on, Christianity and Biblical values. I am not saying that every person should be this way but rather that we are said to have "freedom of speech" and "freedom of religion", so why should this even be a question. We are exercising our power as Americans to choose religions so why should there be any hostility whatsoever.
4. Of other importance, older voters are placing importance on things like the Supreme Court appointments and Social Security concerns.
5. Younger voters are choosing to place their focus on two issues. The treatment of racial and ethnic minorities and the treatment of gay, lesbian, and transgender people.
6. The Economy - what is our economy right now? Have you researched it in regards to the presidential election?
7. Immigration - how should all of these legalities be handled?
8. Abortion - when do you consider life?
9. Gun Control - how should our Second Amendment Right be handled?
10. Terrorists - what should the next president do when handling and preventing terrorist attacks?
11. Foreign Policy - how should these decisions be handled?
So go, get your vote on. Go choose to use your given rights. Do not ever let them sit idly by. Do your research and go use your voice.
