I think we can all pretty much agree that this election is going to be a mess. What people don’t realize is that they have the opportunity to help it not be such a mess.

I’m going to start off by saying I don’t care who you vote for. I don’t care what your political views are. You are allowed to believe what you believe, and you are allowed to talk about it as much as you want because we all have the right to support who we want and to let everyone know. That is the beauty of America. You are also allowed to argue with people to try to convey your beliefs.

However, whenever you start to use that right to tell other people they are not allowed to believe what they want because you don’t agree with it, that’s when we have some issues.

For many of us, this is our first time voting in a presidential election, and that seems daunting for a lot of us. I know this election cycle has been a wild one, and many people are torn of who to support. I still encourage all of you to really do some research. Find out who you agree with more. Consider what each candidate has to offer and what they will do for our country. For more local elections, you tend to hear less about what is happening, so please do some research and look into what each has to offer.

I know a lot of people who really don’t support either candidate. If you don’t like them, don’t vote for them! Find someone you do support. It’s okay to vote third party if that is how you are driven. Whatever you do, don’t just stay home on election day. Know what each candidate has to offer and go support them with your vote.

Also, don't vote for someone just because all of your friends are. As much as you love your friends, you don't have to always agree with them. You are your own person. Make your own decisions.

I’ve heard plenty of people say “One vote never made a difference.” How many times have you heard that?

Now imagine if every one of those people that told you that voted.

Now imagine if every person in the country who said and believed that voted.

One vote may not make a huge difference. I’ll give you that. But millions of “one votes” sure will.

Don’t believe that “one vote” won’t make a difference. Because that one vote is representative of everything you believe the country should be. And that is what makes a difference.

Do your research. Understand what this election means for you and how you want to be represented. Don't vote for someone just because that is who your friends all support. Know that you do make a difference. Go out and vote.