Voting is important. Having an active voice in what is going on in our country is important. Listening and paying attention to what is going on in our country is important. Voting in the 2016 Elections is VERY important. Feel like your vote really won't make a difference? Not sure if going out and voting is really worth the effort? Take a look at our history. There have been many times where elections have come down to the wire:
Vice President Al Gore and Texas governor George W. Bush's election race in 2000 came down to a single state and a few hundred votes.
John F. Kennedy squeaked out victory over Richard M. Nixon in 1960 by just 0.1 percent.
As millennials, we need to exercise our rights to vote. If you don't vote, you shouldn't complain about what is going on in our country.
Here are seven reasons why as a millennial you should choose to vote (and pay attention to what's going on) in the 2016 election:
1. We are PASSIONATE.
Millennials are incredibly optimistic about the future and care deeply about issues in their community, which is why more than 60 percent of us volunteer for causes we care about.
2. We are BIG!
Millennials (ages 18 to 34) are the largest generation in our country. With a whopping 75.3 million, we surpass the projected 74.9 million Baby Boomers (ages 51 to 69).
3. We are DIVERSE.
In addition to being the largest generation in the country, millennials are also the most diverse, with 43 percent being non-white.
4. We are SAVVY.
Millennials have been equipped with the information, tools and technology needed to solve problems quickly. Think of all the assistance you provide your grandma with on Facebook. That's your millennial mindset being put to work. More than 90 percent of Millennials are online on many different mediums and are never away from their phones. Political candidates have to make a real and authentic effort to reach us where we live in order to make an impact.
5. We are ADULTS.
Within the next four years, you may be getting a job, owning or renting your own house, getting married, starting a family, paying for health insurance, or building a business. The policies you vote for today will have a huge influence on your life after college. Do you really want to leave those decisions up to someone else?
6. We are INFLUENTIAL.
Millennials have tremendous power. Whether it be in their consumer habits, social behaviors, or political involvement. We make up a large amount of our population!
And lastly, and the most important reason why you should exercise your right to vote...
7. Many people fought for your right to vote. No matter your race, gender, or age, your right to vote came at the price of others. Honor the sacrifices others made so that your voice could be heard when theirs wasn't.
If Millennials vote, they could make a huge impact on elections and drive the national dialogue.
