One of the basic aspects of our country is our right to vote. Back when our democracy was first founded, only white male landowners had a voice. As our nation developed, the list of Americans eligible to vote grew. The process, however, was a long and tedious one full of opposition. It took 113 years for women to vote and African Americans weren’t given the right until 1965. Today, all citizens 18 years of age and older have the opportunity to vote. We have the incredible ability to make a difference in the leadership of our nation. So, to make my argument even more compelling, here are a few reasons why you should go out and vote.

1. Because you can.

2. You can support your party.

Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, Independence, or unsure, it's important for you to side with your party. Do you really want a candidate from the opposing party, the party with views that completely conflict with yours, in charge?

3. Other nations don’t give their citizens the same opportunities.

The United States is one of the very few that give their citizens a voice. Check out how little blue there is on the map. Imagine living in a country where you didn’t have a voice in your government, if you didn’t have a say in the politics, education, religion, etc. of the place you lived. How would you feel then?

4. So many people fought for your right to vote.

Historically, the right to vote was not available to all citizens. Your right to vote came at a price. Honor the sacrifices made by those who didn’t have the same rights as you do now.

5. No one votes with college students in mind but us.

The pool of American voters is massive but do you really think older voters, wealthy voters, or voters without health insurance are voting with the ramen-eating college student in mind? With issues like student loans, education standards, and admissions policies at stake, it is our obligation to vote. In the end, millennial voters are affected drastically by who our president is… all 44 million of us.

6. You’re an adult. Accept it.

Despite conventional attitudes saying that college students aren’t in the “real world,” you are an adult with actual responsibilities. You manage your finances; you’re in charge of your education and career… In addition to all of this, you have a civic duty. Do your part and vote.

7. Think of your future.

In the next 4 years, you’ll be getting a job, moving into an apartment/house, getting married, starting a family, paying for healthcare/insurance, etc. The candidates and policies you vote for today will have a huge impact on how your life progresses.

8.) You’re in college… c’mon now...

College is the place where you broaden your horizons and expand your mind. You try and learn new things every day. Are you really going to pass up on learning about the candidates who might be your next president? Are you really going to miss out on the empowering opportunity to vote?

9.) Remember Florida?

The debacle in Florida following the 2000 presidential proved just how significant each vote truly is. George W. Bush won the Florida vote by only 537 votes out of almost 6 million. 537. That’s absurd.

10. Stop unqualified candidates from winning.

Look at the above picture. Enough said.

11. Our vote matters.

Ultimately, our voice has the ability to be loud and powerful but there is only silence if we never open our mouths.

So go out and vote. There is so much on the line.