All of us are given a constitutional right to vote as citizens of the USA. Some of us were not allowed to vote until after major civil rights movements deemed us worthy. Women, for example, could not vote until the 1920’s. Anyone of color or race (anyone that wasn’t European), could not vote until the 1870’s. Some white males could not even vote if they did not own land (changed in 1850’s). The current American constitution has come a long way with voting rights since it was first signed in 1789. In fact, if you think about it, it took 100+ years for most citizens to be granted the right to vote. So the big question is, why wouldn’t you vote if our ancestors fought for our right?

As a college student I hear many of my peers say they aren’t voting. When I ask why, I get “I don’t like any of the candidates” or “I don’t care who wins”. These responses used to make me very angry until I begun to understand why they think this way. We as young people in the United States are constantly put down and made to feel insignificant by the older generations. The term “Millennial” has been used as a negative word to make us feel lesser simply because we grew up in a very different generation from our parents and grandparents. The older generations would like things to stay the same by having an influence on the votes. If young people are not voting, they are ensuring that everything stays as it is. Therefore, the responses to why people between the ages of 18 and 24 aren’t voting are because they feel as if they cannot make a difference because things will never change. But what if all of us generation Y’s that can vote, voted? What would happen?

I am not here to preach on whom you should vote for or what party is the best or even if you should choose a party. You should vote because you CAN make a difference. Do not let your family influence your decision. Do not let mainstream media influence your decision. Read up and choose whichever person fits with your personal beliefs. Voting is not just for the presidential election, you will also be voting for your state representatives and your school board. So be an informed voter and do your research.

Voting is easy. There are four major steps.

1. Are you a registered voter?

You might have registered when you got your license, if so, you are registered. If you are not registered here is the website that will walk you through how to register for your state and to check for your state’s registration deadline go here.

2. Once you are registered, find your voting date.

Here is the website to find your state's voting date

3. Where is your voting location?

This will be located on your registration card that comes in the mail.

4. What if you can't make the voting date and location?

If you cannot vote on the voting day, apply for an absentee ballot.

Absentee Ballot: This is a ballot that is emailed or mailed to you earlier than your election date. If you are in college and live there, apply for an absentee ballot to ensure your vote. You can apply for the absentee ballot here. If you goggle your states absentee ballot, it will come up. This process only takes a couple of minutes.

So why wouldn't you vote?