Although it might not seem so, election voter turnouts are not as high as they should be. The voter turnout was 62.3 percent in the 2008 election, but dipped to 57.5 percent in the 2012 election. A high voter turnout is crucial to represent the true views and feelings of our country, especially during election season.

Going out to the polls and voting this Tuesday isn’t just for electing a new president. Other than the presidential nominees, there are many state and local positions that will directly affect policies related to your area. Referenda on the ballot also plays a major role in state and local decision making, such as the issue of marijuana legalization. A higher voter turnout allows the decisions being made to be truly representative what the country wants, rather than a skewed view of what only those who showed up wanted for this country. In fact, areas that have a high voter turnout often receive more public funds as a reward for doing their part as a citizens. Even if you live in a state that isn’t a swing state or crucial in the election, the margin of victory can still play a major role. Due to this, it’s best to go to the polls and vote, regardless of how sure you are of the turnout of your state.

For this upcoming election, many people aren’t pleased with either major party candidates. Many of these people rather vote for third party candidates, but believe that such a third party vote would go to waste. Although it isn’t very likely that a third party candidate would win, voting for a third party candidate can change mindsets and give the major party candidates an idea of what many Americans want to see through the next presidency. Third party ideas are a game changer, and do influence candidates to rethink their policies and plans for America’s future.

Lastly, many in the past have and currently fight for the basic right to vote. In countries where democracy isn’t the form of government, or in America’s history where certain groups were restricted from this basic right, voting is something not to be taken lightly. It is crucial that we understand how important voting is for the progress of our country, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Go out to your local polls this upcoming Tuesday, and vote for the America you want!