The candidate that I wanted to vote for in this election didn’t make it to the general election. I voted in the primaries, not only because I was excited to vote but also because I was able to vote.

I early voted in the general election. I made a special trip home from college just to vote, because I was able to vote. So many people take this fact for granted, and don’t vote. There are many different reasons that people don’t vote, including but not limited to:

1. “I don’t like the candidates.”
2. “I didn’t have time.”
3. “My vote won’t count.”
4. “It takes too long.”
5. “I have to work.”
6. “It’s too hard to register”.
7. “I don’t know where I vote.”
8. “It’s too hard for me to vote out of state.”

That list could go on for ages, because believe me I hear people in coffee shops, around my college campus, in restaurants, etc. talking about why they won’t be voting this election cycle. The other day I even heard a man who was easily in his 40’s talking about how he has NEVER voted before. Ever. Like, he isn’t even registered to vote.

Vote. Vote because you are granted the right to vote. Vote because, in other countries, people don’t have that opportunity. Vote because you can. Vote for people like Malala, who stand up for women and their rights for education because women are not granted these rights in other countries. Vote because women in America didn't gain the right to vote until 1920.

Vote because you can make a difference. Vote because you have opinions. Vote because what is the point of a democracy if people don’t use their rights? Vote because YOU CAN. Honor the sacrifices and struggles that other people went through so that you have the opportunity to vote.

Honestly, if none of these things matter to you… Vote because voting gives you the right to complain if the candidate you wanted to win, didn’t.