The leaves are beginning to change from green to varying shades of yellow, orange, and red, and they now cover the ground. Pumpkin spice has once again dominated flavor menus across the country. The shorts and flip flops are being replaced with sweatpants, cardigans, and boots. These are all indications of the changing seasons. This year, though, fall means more than just a change in the color of leaves or the flavor of a latte or the outfits we wear. This year, fall means it's election season.

Our two presidential candidates are going hard, competing to win the affections of the country. Campaigning is being stepped up as a final effort to convince the people of the United States to take a stance one way or another and cast their votes. And every day, we all get just a little more tired of hearing the same things in the news—the scandals, the accusations, and the never-ending litany of beliefs and claims.

A year ago, I would have been like many other people who wouldn't be heading out to go vote. I was one of many who thought that one vote could never make a difference. Now, my opinion has changed.

I now encourage anyone who cares at all about this country to take the time to go vote. To me, it is more important for the people to care enough about the next four years to go vote than it is for everyone to vote for the same candidate as me. I've talked to many people who have complained about neither option being a good one. The only advice I have to give to these people is to pick the person who will be the so-called "lesser evil." Pick the one you like more. Pick the one you will be able to justify choosing when your kids ask you about the election of 2016. By abstaining from voting, one is indicating that he or she is okay with whoever wins the election. Eventually, we will have to justify that decision, if not to someone else, then to ourselves. After these next four years are over, will we feel good about the decision we made?

Perhaps more importantly, we must remember that we are not cemented into political parties. Many Republicans, including well-known politicians, due to recent happenings, have withdrawn their support from the Republican candidate. This does not mean that they can no longer consider themselves Republicans. I just hope that their withdrawal of support does not simply mean that they refuse to vote; I hope it means that they will choose to go out and vote, even if it means temporarily supporting the other party.

My opinion of the two candidates is not important right now. What is important is the fate of the country resting in the hands of citizens who are 18 or older. Being 18 may mean having the option to get a tattoo or being able to serve alcohol, but this year, being 18 means getting to make a huge decision. This November 8th, we have the opportunity to have a voice that will be heard across the nation. I've already voted. Now will you?