As part of the younger generation, and being it is that I can now vote in elections along with my peers, I have learned how important politics are and how intricate they can be. With this election being on the extreme ends of both the Republican and Democratic party, hearing people discuss this election can be most frustrating. Not only if your views differ, but also because I've learned most people do not even understand what they are supporting.
The cluelessness of these people around me astounds me and terrifies me. I'm not about to say I know everything there is to know about politics because I don't. And I won't pretend I do. But one thing I do know is what the candidates support. I know that I have figured out who stands for what and I made an educated decision on who will get my vote. People — especially at my age — sometimes thinks it's endearing not to understand but just follow in their parents footsteps. If we're being honest, we are in different parts of our lives then our parents. We want different things, so if you're casting your ballots as your parents wish you probably are doing what's best for them, not you.
If you're uneducated, own that fact. Maybe sit this election out and learn your facts before casting a vote for someone you just think you might like because of the party they belong to. And vote for the person you want to vote for, not who will win. This literally defeats the purpose of elections. Leave the election then to the people who know what is right. But we should educate ourselves. The only way to have this nation run as smooth as it can is for us to educate ourselves and properly cast our votes for the candidate we believe can do the most good for our nation.
Registering is only the first step. Educating oneself is the most crucial component, though. Don't just follow what someone else is saying, figure it out for yourself. And then you won't sound so absurd when your reason for liking someone is 'he says what's on his mind and what everyone's thinking.' Because if that's your excuse, you are part of the reason that the election will only cause issues.
So please do yourself and this nation's future a favor. Register, but also educate yourself. It's important.
