Voting is an important aspect of our democracy and plays a major role in determining how our government runs. It is the easiest way for us as Americans to have our voices heard on political issues. However, despite its importance, many people don't vote, especially young people. According to Civic Youth, 12.5 million registered youth did not vote in the last midterm elections in 2014. So, if you're considering not showing up to the polls on November 6th, here are 11 reasons why you must.
1. It's a right that we're lucky to have.
In many other countries, citizens do not have the right to vote, or the right to participate in government at all. We are so lucky to have the right to vote. In fact, we fought wars to get us this right. Minorities fought to get their right to vote. And there are still people in this country who don't have this right, such as convicted felons or immigrants. Don't take that right for granted. Vote.
2. If you don't vote, democracy doesn't work.
Democracy is built upon the idea of participation of citizens. Everyone says that our system is broken, and while it is, part of why it is broken is because so many people don't vote.
3. Older people are voting.
A recent PSA going around Facebook(which is admittedly a bit ageist, but has sparked some important conversations) calls on young people to vote by showing elderly people expressing their political views and saying that they will be voting, but young people won't. And statistically, they're right. According to the United States Census Bureau, only 43 percent of 18-29-year-olds voted in the 2016 presidential election, compared to 70.9 percent of those aged 65 and older. It's your future. Show up for it.
4. Every vote counts.
A common misconception among non-voters is that their vote doesn't count or doesn't matter. This just simply is not true. Every vote counts, and many elections are decided by mere hundreds of votes.
5. The issues occurring now could affect our lives for years to come.
This is our future. If you don't start looking out for it now, it could already be tarnished by those older than you. Start paying attention now, and you won't have to suffer as much later, when it's too late.
6. If you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain.
When you don't like the elected officials representing you in office, you really have no right to complain about them if you didn't show up on election day. In fact, some of your complaints could actually be your own fault in a way, in that case.
7. If young people vote more, politicians will care about promoting issues young people face.
Politicians know that young people do not vote as much as those older than them. Therefore, they focus their platform on issues that older Americans face, rather than those faced by younger voters. If young people started to vote more frequently, politicians will start paying more attention to the issues facing America's youth, such as student loan debt and school shootings.
8. Not voting could have a very negative effect on the election results.
In an article published in The Washington Post, it is asserted that nonvoters handed Donald Trump the 2016 presidential election. Not voting could have just as big of an impact as voting, and probably not in the way that you'd like.
9. These mid-term elections can help balance the president's power.
Right now, Republicans hold the majority of the House and Senate, in addition to our Republican president. This causes an imbalance of power in terms of parties. If we can change the House and Senate majorities, we can help balance out the power of one party over another.
10. It is the easiest way to make your voice heard.
Voting is an easy way to get your opinions about politics out into the world, and to affect change. And it's a pretty effective way to create change. So don't just talk about change. Go out and make it happen.
11. We can make change.
I know that it may be hard to see right now, but we have the potential to make change as young people. We are the future of this country, and now is the time to secure it. So head out to the polls on November 6th, and make your voice heard!
If you need more information about voting or registration, here are some resources for you to check out!
- Lyft is offering free and reduced rides on election day for people in certain communities.
- Vote.org- a helpful resource with lots of information about voter registration, deadlines, absentee ballots, and more. You can even sign up for Election Day text reminders!
- Co-chaired by important figures and celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Janelle Monáe, When we all vote.org has information on when and where to vote, and who and what will be on your ballot.
Now go out and VOTE!!!!
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