If you don’t use social media, watch cable television or look at billboards as you drive, you may not know election season is upon us. Does it really matter whether you know or not? Our junior high Civics class taught us that the Electoral College ultimately casts the vote. This may deter some from voting, but your vote is more important than you think.
As a college student, you are part of the millennial generation. This means, move over baby boomers, our vote is one of 44 million other votes among our demographic. This is the largest demographic able to vote; therefore, our voice should be the loudest.
Health care and retirement are two widely debated issues, and many Americans vote with these topics in mind. People do not vote for the benefits of millennials. This is why it is up to our generation to have a say in issues that directly affect us and our children. Educational standards, student loan rates, and admission policies are among these topics.
This is one of the most pivotal times in your life. Within the next four years, you will be graduating, obtaining a job, getting married and maybe even having children under the leadership of whomever is chosen in this year’s election.
This year’s Presidential election has come with much debate. The term “the lesser of two evils” seems to be the saying of the season. Some people may think, “Why vote, when I’m just voting for who I dislike the least?” This can easily be construed as a negative, unless you look at it in a different light. Instead of seeing your vote as a plus for someone you’re not completely for, think of it as a minus for someone you are completely against.
“Bad officials are elected by good people who do not vote,” George Jean Nathan, a mid-20th Century writer, said.
Social media rants are always popular during campaigning and election season, but what about post-season? These conversations are known to get very heated as well. While you may not be one to voice your opinion publicly, if you do not participate in the voting process, you forfeit your right to have a respected opinion about the results of the election. Why should people take your opinion seriously, if you had the chance to change the outcome and did not?
Arguably, one of the most important reasons to vote comes from America’s history. The right to vote wasn’t always something that could be taken for granted. Women and African Americans thought so strongly about voting that they were willing to give their lives to fight for what they deserved. After many protests and much determination, they paved the way for themselves and their children to have a voice in the country they called home.
When we think of the right to vote, we think of the legal rights given by America alone, but what about the times in history where America’s entire freedom was challenged by foreign entities? If you are tempted to let the waiting and hassle of long lines drive you away from voting, just remember those who gave their lives to protect your freedom and in turn, your right to vote.
With so many freedoms provided to us as Americans, it is easy to take a few for granted. Some you can take for granted every day, but you’re right to vote for the leader of our nation only comes once every four years. Appreciate the gift your ancestors fought to give you, and take advantage of your place in America’s democracy. Don’t let Nov. 8 be just another day. Wake up knowing you can make a difference.
By Ali Kinsey
