My fellow Americans,

The election is only about a month away. Kinda scary huh? Both major parties presidential candidates are extremely disliked yet they are both the parties presidential candidates. We as citizens somehow put them into these positions. Now, they both have a chance to govern our nation.

I know our country’s not perfect but we are still thriving as a powerful first-world country. I know there are other candidates from overlooked parties that we can vote for but if you look back into history we haven’t had a third-party candidate win the presidency. However, there’s always a first time for everything.

This is our first election and to a majority none of the choices seem to be the icing on our plate. But would you just ignore the cake and put it to waste?

We have the privilege to partake into the biggest decision in our government this upcoming November. So many people here and worldwide wish they had that same privilege. Don’t let it go to waste!

So I encourage you to register to vote. Even if you’re not in your home state, you can request an absentee ballot! Keep updated with the political debates. Listen to these candidate, read about them and then decide on your choice. Then once November 8th comes, go out and vote.

The major parties stress that a vote for anyone but there candidate is a vote for the “enemy”. I say, vote for who you believe will continue to have our country grow and be prosperous. Don’t let party affiliations dictate your vote; listen to their plans and policies and look at their character. Does your candidate value what you value?

Lastly, don’t be afraid to be vocal on your thoughts about this election. Be that person who nonstop tweets during the debates or continuously post articles pertaining to the candidates on Facebook. Your vocalness will bring awareness to others and encourage them to get involved in American democracy.

We are: a new generation. New ideas. New values. We can change our future. Be a part of that change.

Once the election comes and the results are announced, know that you took your part when you vote. If your candidate wins, hooray! If not, it’s just 4 years. Time always goes by fast. And honestly? You might not notice their presence in office.

In the famous words of my favorite president John F. Kennedy:

Your country is telling you to go vote. Your one vote can make all the difference. Don’t let it go to waste.