With the uproar surrounding the current political climate of the United States, this upcoming election has the potential to alter these noticeable flaws...or at least improve them. In a time of discrimination among race, sexual orientation, personal identification, etc., it's important that anyone who is eligible registers to vote and exercises their right to vote as a United States citizen.
Often times before elections, especially this one, I overhear excuses from people about why they aren't voting:
"I don't have time to register."
"I don't know anything about the candidates."
"I'm in college, I don't have time to get to the polls."
"I don't like the political system in America."
"It's not like one vote is going to make a change."
"Everybody else will, I don't need to."
Excuses like these not only contribute to the Tragedy of the Commons, but they also show how unimportant voting seems to many Americans for no good reason. In reality...
You DO have time to register. You just won't make that time.
You CAN know about the candidates. You just won't take time to research them.
You're not the only one. About 19.9 million other people are in college too.
You can CHANGE the political system by voting. But, you choose not to.
Your vote WILL make a change. You just won't see that change if you don't vote.
Everybody else is saying that "everybody else will," so not many actually do it. Step up.
It's unfortunate that the very right that people fought for in America isn't taken seriously. People all over the world look at America as the "land of the free," whether or not you agree with that statement, you should understand what it means and realize the rights you have that may be unattainable to others in foreign countries. They would die for the opportunity to have a say in their country's government. We have that opportunity, but many take that for granted.
To make matters worse, nobody has a problem expressing their political beliefs on Twitter and other social media, but they don't actively exercise those beliefs at the polls. The outrage against Trump on Twitter is prolific, but how many of those who are eligible to change what they speak against actually do so? I would like to see those numbers.
Ask yourself, would you be embarrassed to say that you didn't vote if someone asked you? Would you admit that you didn't hit the polls?
On November 6th, take into consideration the immense freedom you have in being able to vote if you are a U.S. citizen that is 18 or older. Do your part and recognize your civic duty. Be the change, because we certainly need it!
