You’re probably already aware of this, but most people are considering this year’s presidential election to be one of the most controversial, difficult and interesting elections yet.

Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or neither, you’re probably feeling a bit pressured by the thousands of comical memes social media and Tumblr are rolling knee-deep in. Nevertheless, it’s disappointing to hear people within our generation who have the right to vote claim they either don’t care or their vote doesn’t matter.

The reality is every vote does matter. We live in a cynical world where people are constantly complaining about things that need to be changed, yet when it comes time to change these things many choose to remain ignorant to the issues that are oppressing our nation.

We should be so grateful to have the right to vote. We shouldn’t be so quick to shrug this off as no big deal because it honestly is. In some countries, people are dying in an attempt to make their vote count and make a difference.

Some of the largest election issues are directed toward the future of our nation and this generation. We have a say in how our futures are going to change and thousands of people worldwide do not.

Regardless of who you decide to vote for, it’s not exactly like there’s a right or wrong answer. All we can do is find a candidate who best aligns with our views to make as well-educated of a decision as we can. And while this isn’t exactly easy (especially this year), the least we can do is try because the future of our world depends on it.

Think of all the people before us that fought for this right. We read about it in our textbooks from grade school to college, but does the magnitude of it really ever sink in? Honor the people who sacrificed so much for the future of our nation and for us.

As adults, the issues the candidates mull over day in and day out are going to influence every single one of us in some small way, shape or form. Even by not voting, it’s not like we can avoid these things forever.

“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” Preach, Franklin.