When I turned 18, I didn't bother registering to vote. And it's not like the opportunity didn't come up - multiple times people handed me voter registration forms, but I threw them out. Politics didn't really interest me. I knew I wasn't informed. Why vote?

Sometime in college my Dad forced me to register, and even signed me up for an absentee ballot for our local elections (not caring I had no idea who was even in office, much less the people running against them). I filled in random bubbles and sent it in to appease him. I still didn't care about politics, still assumed I'd only vote on rare occasions.

And then this year's election got underway. My college erupted with Bernie Sanders support, and for the first time I actually started paying attention to politics. Everyone was taking a stance, and I kind of felt like I need to, too.

No matter what side you fall on in this election - whether you support Trump or Hillary - you have to admit that this election is one for the history books. Donald Trump is a rich business man who was a reality TV star; Hillary Clinton has been in politics for years, was actually in the White House as the First Lady, and would be the first woman president if elected. No matter how this election turns out, it's going to be one to remember.

This election has also reminded me at least of the deep rifts that exist in our country. The divide between Hillary and Trump isn't as clean as liberal versus conservative; it's like war has broken out in our own country as supporters (and even the candidates themselves) have begun to preach a rhetoric of hate to anyone who will listen. This isn't an election of political viewpoints and future plans for the country; this is an election of name calling and fear mongering.

And that's why you need to vote. You might be like me and care so very little about politics. You might think it's stuffy and boring and not really relevant to your life. But this election is so crucial for our country. While I personally was a Bernie fan, and have now fallen onto the Hillary Clinton wagon, I think it's important no matter what your political stance that you go to the polls this November 8th. Because I don't want Donald Trump to be President of the United States, but if he wins this election I want it to be because a true majority of this country really believes in him. The leader of America should be supported by a majority of Americans, and how on earth can we know unless people do their duty and vote on election day?

Personally, I'll be grateful when this is just over. I don't particularly love following politics, and while it's been quite entertaining, it's also sad to know that our political system has turned into something pretty close to a circus. But it's taught me that my vote matters. Yes, my one little vote won't probably be the difference between the state of New York supporting one candidate or the other. But speaking out about what you believe, and voting your conscience is so important. We want the right people in office, don't we? And how can that happen if we don't go to the polls?

So from someone who used to think voting was useless... please vote in this presidential election. Please make sure the right person ends up in office this year. A lot hinges on it (like, the future of our country).