You’re scrolling through Facebook and you see, over and over again, picture after video of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, the Iowa Caucuses and Hillary Clinton. You’re thinking, “Why do I care? I’m not even going to vote.” Well, first of all, if you live in the United States, whoever gets elected might significantly impact you. Just imagine living in a country where your opinion actually matters and you can actually choose who you want to be the commander-in-chief. Luckily, we have that luxury.
This year’s presidential election, in my personal opinion, has one of the most diverse groups of candidates in a long time, and it is probably one of the most important. Not being apart of the election would be a great mistake. If you’re a citizen, have 30 minutes of spare time and want to help make a difference in your country, you should probably consider voting.
2016 could be the year Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman president. Donald Trump could also become our president, which is crazy. So, if you have some slight idea on what you are passionate about, or what candidates you like or dislike, then vote based on those ideas.
It’s easy to feel like your vote doesn’t have a voice in a country of millions of people, but if everyone had that mentality no one would vote. This generation has the opportunity to change the face of politics and bring out more voters than any other year. We have the opportunity to choose who we believe is most fit to run our country, and you could be the difference between a horrible president over a great one.
People have strong feelings on these candidates; we could see Democrats voting for a Republican candidate if they’re not happy with the Democratic nominee, or we could see Republicans vote for a Democrat to avoid voting (theoretically) for Donald Trump. This mentality can change the whole face of the presidential election. Going out and voting for the candidate you want, and the ideas you best relate to, can help you avoid throwing away your vote based on who you dislike.
If you decide not to vote, you are only hurting yourself. The president actually has a lot of influence in our country. I know: shocker, right? Your vote has a voice (whether you believe it or not), and when it’s combined with millions of others it can have a great impact.
My point is this: don’t miss out on voting because you fear not being heard, or because you're too lazy. And don’t throw your vote away based on who you dislike. Vote to make a difference. Vote for what you believe in and who you believe can get what you want done.
When you’re tired of scrolling through videos and seeing articles and hearing about the candidates, just remember: We are the future generation. Look around your lecture halls and your classrooms. One of these people may be the future president, or a Supreme Court Justice.
Everything that we decide in this election will have an impact on the rest of our lives. We are lucky enough to live in a country where we get to have a voice and a vote that makes a difference – so if for no other reason, vote for those who can’t.
