Don’t Opt Out Of Voting | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Don’t Opt Out Of Voting

A quick history lesson for those who debate on going to the polls.

37
Don’t Opt Out Of Voting
Wtop.com

At this point you are probably thankful that this madness of an election is coming to an end. Before you decide to opt out of casting your ballot this Election Day…reconsider.

Some of your ancestors didn’t have the right to vote.

The 15th Amendment was passed to grant African American men the right to vote in the late 1800s but in many cases would have to overcome the difficulties of taxes and literacy tests that other voters wouldn’t need to take.

The majority of African Americans were not able to successfully register to vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed. That’s only 51 years ago.

Women couldn’t vote until the 19th amendment in 1920. There are women who are still alive and were born before that amendment was even passed. These women may be your great-great grandmothers. Your great-great-great grandmothers.

A few generations ago, they may have fought for the right to be able to vote. They raised their voices and stood up in their community and the world at large to take a swing at voter inequality.

This is my desperate cry to society: VOTE.

You shouldn’t choose whether or not to get up out of bed and cast your ballot when your ancestors didn’t even have the option. They didn’t have that choice. Make the time this Election Day unless you chose to vote early.

"One, you find out where and when you can vote early. Two, you figure out how to get there. Three, you get out there and get your voice heard. It's incredibly important. Millions of people are doing it," President Obama said.

If you care about the country: vote. That’s all you can do. If you have a strong passion for a candidate you can participate in phone banks and knock on doors. But at this point, it’s too late.

It’s Election Day and if you are 18 and over, go out to the polls. These candidates may be flawed but that doesn't mean you can opt out of what may be the next eight years of our country. You live here–you should care.

No matter if the system is “rigged” or if you think your vote “doesn’t matter”. Think of your vote as a puzzle piece, one that will ultimately be fit into a much larger puzzle. You are a part of the change. We live in a democracy. It’s our right to be able to vote and you should be proud to be a part of it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2022
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16699
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3552
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments