It is that season where everyone has their true political emotions either plastered on their yard or on the back of their vehicle. My parents have always made me aware of elections growing up, but it did not matter as much to me until now. I have finally reached the age where I am old enough to vote. I am excited to finally exercise this right which many of my ancestors fought for, but does everyone know the importance of the vote? Being that this is my first election to vote in, I have watched every debate and kept tabs on both parties through social media and the news. Although our presidential candidates are the main concern when it comes to who we elect we cannot forget about those positions under them. Especially those that make decisions on the local level.

For first time voters, like me, this is a rather confusing part of 'growing up'. You can kind of say it has gotten real. Being that we are first time voters, those who are more seasoned may try and sway us any which way, but we are smarter than that. Do research on both candidates and vote for the candidate who has your best interest in mind. Do not forget to research candidates running for positions at the local and state level because what they do affects your area head on. If you are like me, and are in school, around this time you may get a few visitors from either political party. For instance, Debra Ross (D), who is running for U.S. Senate stopped by our campus. Where was her opponent, Richard Burr?

Get registered to vote on campus or wherever is best for you to cast your ballot. I am too far away from home to vote with my family, so I registered here at school. Students are also able to cast an absentee ballot, which means their vote will be mailed-in because they cannot make it to their polling place due to various reason (ex: college).

Voters cannot forget about off-year elections. The presidential election always draw attention, but we cannot have a leader without a team...or at least a strong one. Some voters only pay attention to the presidential election and then disregard the off year elections. During this time, the party that lost the presidential election uses this opportunity to get their party "in" somehow, someway. Think of the off year elections as selecting team members for a team. The captain (president) is already elected, we just need a good team (house, senate, governor, etc.) to lead us to victory. We cannot point fingers as to why off-year elections are often neglected. Presidential elections gain so much attention, it is rather hard to ignore what is going on. This is the first year I have seen sponsored ads on my social media for candidates.

If possible, attend a rally. If nothing is being held in your area, watch an aired rally and get a feeling of how the candidate is around their possible voters. What do they encourage? What do they emphasize? Is the crowd diverse? What were those around you saying about the candidate? Did anything break out to distract from the speech? If so, how was the distraction handled?

When the big day comes, do not go alone. Bring a friend! Spread the word on social media that you voted to remind others of the big day and their big right. We cannot forget that about fifty years ago, this opportunity was a dream that some people fought, bled, and died for. People of color were put through hoops such as literacy tests, guessing games, recitation of the Constitution, and other challenges in order to get this basic right. When citizens do not vote, they automatically give the other party an advantage. We cannot overlook this right in these trying times where history can easily repeat itself.

My vote matters.

Your vote matters.

All votes matter.

VOTE.