Here we are...the end of the 2016 election cycle. Boy has it been a ride. With all of the craziness that has happened in this election season, it's become easy to lose sight of why we should even vote. It's hard to see why, especially when it's hard to see a good quality in either of the candidates. In light of election day, here are 5 reasons why you should vote:
1. Your Voice Matters
Millions of people vote in the presidential election. It's easy to think that your one vote won't matter in the midst of the millions. But, consider this: What if the people who sparked change over the course of American History, simply said or thought that their voice didn't matter? For Example: our Founding Fathers. What if they had simply decided that their voice didn't matter, and never rebelled against British rule? You'll never know what your one voice could impact.
2. It's Your Civic Responsibility.
Not only is it honorable in that you become a more well-rounded individual, but voting honors those in history who fought for our right to vote. Our founding fathers, first-wave feminists (Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton), Civil Rights Activists like Martin Luther King Jr., and several other minority leaders changed the country and impacted the world by standing up for their beliefs. In my opinion, I think we owe voting to our Armed Forces as well, the men and women who fight relentlessly to preserve our freedom and our Constitutional Republic.
3. If You Don't Vote To Speak On Your Interests, Who Do You Expect To?
I think this one's pretty self-explanatory. Whether this is in your presidential pick or your state questions, if you don't vote to voice your opinion, you may as well not have one. The most prominent and important way you can voice your opinion is through voting.
4. Not Voting Virtually Takes Away Your Right To Complain.
Of course, another freedom this great nation provides is free speech. You can complain, or not complain, as much as you wish. But it's hard to complain with credibility or pride backing those complaints if you didn't choose to vote and oppose what you complain about.
5. We Have The Responsibility To Preserve The Freedom We're Born With.
Ronald Reagan said it best, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."
Democrat, Republican, Independent, or whatever you're affiliated with, I can't stress how important it is that you get out and vote. Vote your morals, vote your conscience, and do your part in this election, and in this country!
