"I'm so disappointed Bernie dropped out." "I'm voting for Trump this year." "Vote outside of the two party system." "We need a woman president."
You've probably heard all of these words and more from TV channels, radio stations, strangers at subway stations, your friends, and your family. You've seen the ads for Trump, Hillary, Bernie, Stein, etc. plastered on billboards along the freeways, in Times Square, everywhere. You've read opinion pieces on who to vote for, seen fliers for political events in your local newspaper, and maybe even gone to a few.
But after all's said and done, have you ever thought to yourself, "Is it really worth it? Do I even need to vote?" I'm here to tell you that you do. Why?
1. It's your Constitutional right.
Especially if you are a woman, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, or part of any minority group in the United States, your right to vote has not always existed in this country. It was something that had to be fought for, so you should exercise that right by voting.
2. You're taking a stand for what you believe in.
Sometimes it's hard to feel like your single vote matters in a sea of over 129 million other voters, but you're also taking a personal stand for what you believe in. Whether you believe in a free college education, stricter gun laws, higher or lower taxes, more or less border protection, by voting you are making your opinions known by choosing a candidate whose views best align with your own.
3. You'll start important dialogues.
Something that goes along with standing up with what you believe in (by voting!), is inevitably, discussing your thoughts and feelings with friends and family. With these discussions on candidates can come the even more important conversations that really dig deep into some tough issues, ones that we may not talk about and openly discuss otherwise.
4. Be a voice for those who have none.
Some people still can't vote. Whether from lack of transportation, past criminal offenses, the homeless, the entire population of North Korea, illegal immigrants, women in Saudi Arabia, etc. your voice will impact those who have none. Your vote will effect the single mother, working three jobs, just to put food on the table for her three children. Your vote will effect the 15-year-old from Mexico, whose biggest dream is to live in the United States. Your vote affects the lesbian couple who has the cutest vlog channel. It will effect the future of the cute little girl you just saw walking down the street who's biggest aspiration in life is to be a doctor. And the outcome of an election has the potential to change the lives and paths of your children and the next generation, so you play a part in helping to create a better future for them.
5. Your vote matters.
No matter how small and insignificant you may feel that your vote will be, it matters. It matters because your ideas, your thoughts, and your actions will help to shape national and international policies for years to come. Voting is the best, established way of putting your morals and values into practice to make life better for those surrounding you.
So on November 8 in the general elections, and on any and all dates of your state and local elections, get out to vote and help to shape the country into an even better place for all who live here. Change takes time, though it does happen. But that change is only possible if you make your concerns and voice heard.
