Many times, I've heard someone complain about politics and voting, and they assume that neither has much affect on their own lives. This couldn't be further from the truth, especially during this election cycle. Many have turned this election cycle into a comedy fest. On a deeper level, this election is downright terrifying.

Whether you support Hillary, Trump or even Bernie, either one of these three people is going to change the country drastically after they're inaugurated next January. Of course, that's barring a third-party candidate winning the election, which is unlikely when you consider the two-party system the United States is wedged in now.

Whoever the next President of the United States is will likely be nominating several new judges to the Supreme Court as longtime members retire. Dozens of seats for Congress are up for grabs, which will impact how much the next president is able to get done.

But even beyond that, you have local and state elections, as well. Governors can make or break their state. Take Rick Snyder, for example, who has arguably made the education system in Michigan a million times worse. From the emergency manager program, which has been accused of fueling corruption within public education, to the funds cut for public education, which then goes to cutting taxes for the people that can most afford them. That's not even including the multitude of water issues in Flint, where kids are now exposed to lead that will affect them for the rest of their lives, and can cause lifetime issues like learning disabilities, which the underfunded school districts are ill-equipped to help with.

Not only that, but school boards, city councils, Congress, Senate, everything is affected by elections, and these are the people that decide how much you're taxed, what you're taxed for and how this tax money will be used.

Even more so, these school boards can decide what's taught and what's not taught within your child's school. They can determine how much of the school funds are allocated to everything, whether that be the arts or sports.

Whether or not you like it, politics and voting affect every piece of your life. This won't be going away anytime soon.

But you know what you can do about it?

Register to vote. If you're 17-and-a-half years old, and you'll be 18 on election day, register. If you're above 18, register. And before you go and vote, do your research and know what you're voting for. A well-informed voter is one of the scariest things for a politician, because they won't be able to spin you away from something you're informed on.

If you want to change the country, it starts with voting. Get out, vote and let your voice be heard. Help make your city, your state and your country that much better with your voice.