Election day is around the corner and to voters, the lights, cameras and fan-fare surrounding presidential campaigns can be intimidating. The language used at times in political debates might as well be foreign. So where do I-where do WE fit in? Why does our vote matter?
1. According to the US Census Bureau, statistics of voter turnout are the lowest among young people and ethnic minorities.
2. Political decisions will continue to be made whether you vote or not. Where issues of presidential campaigns seem lofty, what better way to educate yourself than on the Internet or in books to make your own opinion of issues at hand.
3. Voting is accessible for all no matter where you are. The first ballot I cast was a mail-in absentee ballot since I was away from my state at the time of the election. With the Internet everything was easy to figure out. Also, the Motor Voter law instituted by the Clinton Administration in 1993 allows you to register to vote the same time you get your driver’s license, or state ID card.
4. All elections matter: Congressional elections are just as important as presidential, but unfortunately don’t receive the same hype as presidential elections. In order for your president to make change, he or she has to have a supportive congress. You have to vote not only for a presidential candidate that upholds your beliefs, but also a representative and senator that does.
5. Most people question why they should vote when the Electoral College decides who the president is? Electors give the votes to a presidential candidate based upon who gets the most of the popular vote. With this election predicted to be a close race, voter presence at the polls is extremely valuable.
6. More than ever-laws are directly affecting young adults. For example, due to the recent wars we have more young veterans entering the workforce and universities around the country. Several bills recently signed into law like the Veteran’s Skills to Jobs Act aid veterans readjust to life at home. Recent healthcare referendums also allow young adults until the age of 26 to remain on their parent’s health care plans. (Helpful for the students at universities living off of ramen and coffee.)
7. The more people that vote, the better representation of the opinions of the country as a whole. It’s simple math and statistics- the greater the sample set- the better and more accurate the survey.
8. We are not just voting for American representation in America but also world representation. We need a leader capable of interacting with other diplomats with dexterity so America is well represented.
9. Voting has not always a right for all. On August 26th 1920, the right to vote was granted to women by the ratification of the 19th amendment. In the sixties due to the civil rights movement, the Voters Rights Act was instituted to enforce all states to abide by the 15th Amendment of the constitution declaring “right[s] of citizens… to vote shall not be denied or abridged…on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” As not only an African-American, but also a woman it’s important to me to take full advantage of those rights.
10. You give up your right have an opinion when you do not participate in the electoral process. If you didn’t exercise your right to vote you can’t exercise your lips to complain about any legislation that negatively affects you.
How much of our lives do we spend on looking at other people’s lives in tabloid magazines and social media? What would taking a few moments out of your day to stand in a line and put our time and focus toward something that really mattered? It’s a win-win situation. Get up- Get out and vote!!!!
Written By our Southern Belle, Kristina Love
Tweet Me: @klovesda