We, as citizens of the United States of America, are given the right to vote when we turn 18. Unfortunately, there is a large number of people who do not do any research before voting. Some feel that their vote doesn't matter, so why bother fact-checking. Others vote for the candidate who their parents or close friends favor without looking into them. More still check unreliable or extremely bias sources to get their information. The end-result is a nation that doesn't know what they want, or why. As the presidential election draws closer and closer, here are some things to do before you vote:

1. Make a list of issues that are important to you.

This will help you choose a candidate who cares about the same things. You may want to divide them into two separate categories for the social and the economic issues. As you research, write down how each candidate plans to address these issues.

2. Use a variety of news sources when researching, regardless of your political affiliation.

Don't just watch one news channel to get your information, and try reading different newspapers. A good way to get all sides of a story is to look at the sources most bias towards each party, and then look at middle-ground sources. Keep in mind that most media outlets will be bias towards one party. For example, Fox News is bias towards Republican values, and CNN is bias towards Democratic values.

3. Watch the debates.

Whether you are Democrat, Republican, Independent, or none of the above, you should watch all of the debates. You can go here to watch the most recent Republican primary debate and here to watch the most recent Democratic primary one.

4. Talk with friends and family.

Ask people (that you respect) what they think. Talk to them about the important issues, and why they are supporting who they do. It's okay if you disagree, but getting different viewpoints can help you understand an issue better as well as open your mind to new thoughts. Just don't go into these conversations with a closed attitude, because political debating among friends and family can quickly lead to sour fights.

5. Don't let your affiliation with a party make your decisions for you.

You may identify as a Republican, but you may end up agreeing with a Democratic candidate most this voting season. It's OK to vote outside of your usual party when it comes time to choose the next president. Make your vote based on who you truly believe to be the best choice, even if he/she is not of your party.

6. Keep an open mind.

Go into your research trying to see where each candidate is coming from. Don't discard someone simply because your best friend says their ridiculous, and don't root for someone just because your father claims they're a genius. This is your decision. Your vote. Choose wisely.