The election is coming up, so it’s the perfect time to state reasons why more college students should take the initiative and vote.

1. America is a democracy. A right to vote is something some people do not have in other countries. Voting is an important we have as our duty to exercise. We have the opportunity to choose the leaders of our nation.

2. Not enough college aged people are voting. Only 17% of the population who cast a ballot were 18- to 24-year-olds. This is a very small amount considering voters decide the leaders of our country. If more people band together and vote it can potentially difference.

3. You will not be a hypocrite. We’re college students and we love to complain, it is in our blood. However, you cannot keep complaining about the president if you do not exercise your right to vote. This is a right we have to go out and make a difference. Even if you loathe both candidates, there are third parties. You can also exercise your right to vote by voting for the lesser of two evils in this election. If you vote you can say you at least contributed to the election. This allows you to complain… with integrity!

4. This presidential election will affect you. In the next four years you will be graduating, looking for a job, getting housing, or building a business. The candidate and policies you vote for will influence on your life now and after college. That is why it is so important to go out to the polls and vote. Educate yourself on these policies and vote!

5. This is your chance to voice your opinion. Do you hate Donald Trump? Go out and make sure he doesn’t win. Same goes for if you do not trust Hillary Clinton. Regardless of how you feel about these candidates it is important for you to voice this opinion by voting.

6. You will get that awesome sticker. You can wear it proudly on your shirt, or you can decorate your laptop with it so everyone knows you voted. You can show off that you voiced your opinion and exercised your right to vote!

In conclusion, go out and vote!