I’m going to go on a small, albeit, important rant. I don’t normally like to rant because I understand that everyone has opinions, but people don’t always want to hear them. However, this is simply an issue that can’t be ignored.

Voting is important.

Again for those who don’t understand; voting is really important.

Yet, it seems that not everyone understands this. I can’t believe how many people I hear saying they aren’t going to vote just because they don’t like the candidates or just because they “don’t have the time.” Stop, please.

Yes, I’ll admit the two main candidates this election are pretty terrible. Neither of the candidates are most people’s first choice, but that doesn’t mean you simply don’t vote.

The cool thing about the United States is: even if you don’t like the two main candidates, there are still others to vote for. I know; it’s awesome. This is something that most people in the world don’t get to have. And for those who believe you’re “giving a vote away” by voting for the smaller party candidates—you’re giving away a lot more than a vote if you don’t vote at all.

Every single person in the U.S. citizen has had someone fight for their right to vote. As a black female, I had not only women of the past work tirelessly so that I may vote, but I also had millions of African Americans fight so that I can share the same liberties as everyone else.

America’s history is long and filled with suffering, but one of the greatest things to come from this country’s past is democracy.

Democracy is important, people.

Most countries in the world are nowhere near the level of freedom we are. Some countries still jail its citizens for being a homosexual. In others, it’s a capital offense to speak out against government atrocities.

If you don’t like the main candidates, that’s cool. In fact, you can join the club of millions who don’t care for Trump or Clinton. And it’s true that we’ve had better elections in the past. But we, as Americans, get many options in our lives. The ability to vote or not is one of them. But not participating in this very important civic responsibility is reckless and irresponsible. This country isn’t perfect by any means. But it’ll never get better if citizens don’t start utilizing the rights granted to us. Voting isn’t just about presidential elections; it starts with mayors and governors, representatives and senators.

This will be my first presidential election that I may vote in. While I’m excited to finally exercise my right of democracy, I’m even more excited to be a part of the new generation of voters—the generation who’s just beginning to make a mark on this world.