The Pennsylvania primary was last week. For some of us, it was our first opportunity to cast a vote — to make a difference. For others, it might have been a missed opportunity. Since we are away at college, it is difficult to take part in the elections at our home district. Next time, we must make sure that we do not take this for granted and vote. Voting is a privilege in the United States, and we should not ignore this privilege. Now is our time to make a difference and put our voices out there.
Our generation has the ability to impact this upcoming election. It is extremely important to cast a vote and represent what you stand for along with the opinions you are entitled to. Since all of us are of age to vote, we must inform ourselves and make an educated decision on who we want to be the next President of the United States.
This hotly contested upcoming election will undoubtedly be a part of history. Recognizing the impact we can make through voting instead of turning a blind eye to the issues will be in your hands. We have the power to make a change, and we must do this through voting.
Many college students might not pay attention to current political issues, and do not realize the importance of exercising your right to vote. If you are not registered to vote, there are steps you can take to ensure that you don’t miss the next election.
Step one: If you are not signed up to vote, there are various ways to register. There are forms available online at the following website: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
Step two: Register an absentee ballot! Being a college student can make traveling home difficult with classes and activities that we are involved with. If you are registered to vote and cannot get home to vote, sign up for the absentee ballot. It’s simple and easy and most importantly, gives you a voice!
If you are thinking that your one vote will not make a difference in the election — it does. Sometimes elections come down to one vote. Here are five reasons why you should vote in the upcoming election:
1. Voting is a way to make your voice heard!
-Through voting, you are expressing your own opinions and speaking your mind. You have a chance to make a change.
2. Voting can eachange all around you.
-Though you may think voting for a candidate might not affect you, the policies and issues they stand for may relate to what you do every day.
3. Voting is a right that we have struggled to achieve, and one that other countries are still fighting for.
-Some take the right to vote for granted. This choice is one of ignorance. Voting is of the utmost importance to signal change not only in the leader of our country but in our own lives.
4. Voting gives you a legitimate right to complain.
-If you do not vote and complain about policies, you do not have appropriate grounds to make these complaints. Through voting, you can protest or complain with integrity.
5. The policies you vote for today will have a large impact on the future and your life after college.
-What you vote for now will affect your life in the future. When you are older you might have to start paying for a home or support yourself through your chosen career. Policies implemented by the next President will definitely affect you in the future.
Voting is of utmost importance. We are the generation that can make a change. Read up on facts, policies, and the candidates running in the election to make an informed decision when voting. In doing so, you can make your voice heard and express your own opinion. We need to vote! Plain and simple. One vote matters! Your vote matters!
