With the constant stream of political debates, commercials, and news media that US citizens are bombarded with, it’s hard to imagine that the 2016 Presidential Election is still more than 400 days away. The current political media-assault steadily progresses each day, and is guaranteed to grow exponentially as the political primaries and actual Election Day draw closer. But beyond every politician’s offensive is the charge of the everyday citizen.
It has become increasingly difficult to access any form of social media without encountering some sort of political opinion. Whether a post is in support or opposition of a certain politician, platform or party, the person responsible for it considers him or herself to be utilizing the best method possible to voice their political opinion.
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With the continual influx of technology over the 21st century, social media has become a highway of communication utilized by all citizens, but most especially members of the millennial generation. This communication is undoubtedly incomplete in the political realm. A retweet, like or comment does nothing to make political progress for our country. It’s imperative these social media users make their voices heard in the right forum, which is unequivocally distinct from the Internet.
In reality, the best platform for making one’s opinion recognized is an ancient method dating back to the formation of our nation. Voting has been the cornerstone of the United States government since its inception at the Constitutional Convention in 1789. But this right was privileged to few – namely the white, male landowners. Other races and genders fought tirelessly for decades after to earn this privilege. The 13th and 19th Amendments of the US Constitution are often forgotten about. Consequently, in today’s society where voting seems like a chore, it is easy to forget that it is actually an honor that many citizens before us labored for.
The percentage of eligible American citizens who utilize their right to vote hovers in the ballpark of 55 to 60 percent. But these numbers are strikingly lower for citizens in the 18-29 year old range. According to the United States Census, 19.9 percent of people in this demographic cast ballots in the 2014 elections. This percentage is astonishingly low. 8 out of 10 people in this age group don’t make use of their privilege to vote, to make their voice heard, or to play a role in our nation’s political progress.
I implore you to make use of your right to vote. Remember the people who fought for this right. Remember the influence of your opinion. Remember that the best place to make a difference is in the real world not online.
The United States is a nation built by the people for the people. So do your part for yourself and for your fellow citizens to ensure the government is working on behalf of the peoples’ opinions. Your vote will reach infinitely further than any tweet, status or Instagram could.
September 22nd is National Voter Registration Day; so take a necessary step beyond a social media post. Register to vote this week. And then exercise this privilege in the primaries in this election, and for all elections to come.
