The Importance of Voting | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Importance of Voting

Make sure your voice is heard in this election

15
The Importance of Voting
Shannon Marks

The final days of this year's election are here. These past few weeks, I've seen a lot more arguing over candidates than I've seen all year, which is really saying something. People are constantly defending their choice for president, whether it be Trump or Clinton. Then there are the others who firmly believe both candidates are terrible, and they should skip out on voting.

If you are one of those people, please reconsider your decision to not vote. Voting is an American right that we should all feel lucky to have. Even during such a ridiculous election like the one we've found ourselves stuck in, it's important to cast your vote. Maybe you hate Trump (understandably), but you also believe Hillary should be in jail and not in the oval office. That's great since everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I started out this election hoping that Bernie Sanders would end up winning. Sadly, I think we can all agree that ship has sailed.

I didn't love Hillary right in the beginning, and I'm still not her number one fan. It's hard to truly believe in either of our candidates when the media is constantly throwing every wrong thing they've ever done at us. No one is perfect, of course. No president has been or ever will be perfect. I love Obama, but even I can admit he has faults. The point is that there is obviously a better candidate, despite these imperfections.

This is the first election I'm actually old enough to take part in. Because of this, I did a lot of research into the whole process. I wanted to know everything about the election, voting, and of course my choices for candidates. As I said, I originally wanted Bernie to win. Now I've moved onto Hillary, and not because I think she's an amazing person. I just know that at the moment, she is the best choice for our country.

I personally believe Trump will do nothing good for America. We're supposed to be a country of freedom and while we're not all the way there yet, we have made a lot of progress over the years. To elect a man who seems to only want to backtrack the country seems pointless. Why would we take away freedoms we worked so hard to get?

On top of that, Trump just isn't a good man. I've heard a lot of people say things like "You don't have to be friends with the president. They're only running the country." And yeah, it's true that I won't be inviting our president over for dinner anytime soon. But that doesn't mean I want to have a man who reminds me of a middle school bully in charge of my country. He's beyond rude to women, minorities, even our veterans. Why would anyone feel comfortable with him as president?

My discomfort toward the mere thought of Trump as our president is what helped me in deciding to support Hillary. I knew I didn't want a man like Trump in office, so I did research on Hillary to see what kind of person she was. While she does have her own faults, I honestly do believe she is the better choice. I think she'll do a better job of upholding our country's freedoms. Not voting or voting third-party is essentially a vote for Trump at this point, and I really didn't want to contribute to that.

I voted a couple of weeks ago, thanks to the new early voting option. I'm glad I made the decision to vote Hillary. If you're on the fence about voting, just go out and do it. It's much easier and more convenient now than ever before and literally takes about five minutes. Aside from helping to pick the president, it also gives you the opportunity to answer important questions about things you care about. If you don't vote at all, you really can't complain about what happens to the country. This election is way too important to be complacent. So, get out there and vote. Whoever you personally believe should be president will appreciate it.

Let your voice be heard in this year's election. Don't be left out of the conversation.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19295
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8140
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5933
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5136
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments