With the upcoming election, it is important to pay attention to the reason you are voting for a particular candidate. Are you planning to vote for them because of their claimed party or because of their platforms?

As a recently registered voter I have heard it said multiple times, "I'm a republican, so that is who I must vote for." or "I'm registered as a democrat, guess I have to vote for one." NO. In fact, it should be the exact opposite. Take a step back, review candidate platforms, and vote for the candidate who actively supports your ideas on issues in our country and shows it.

Most conservatives AND liberals have the mindset that just because they identify in such a way, it means they must always vote for that party, and that is far from the truth. When that happens, societies beliefs are NOT being heard, it is just an aimless vote.

Our society has come to a point where it absolutely HAS to be about what the individual stands for, not for what the party advocates. Individuals have character, morals, personality, reputation, and personal beliefs and opinions. Political parties only have platforms and reputation (usually a negative one.) Why would you vote for a party just because they hold most of your ideals when the candidate for that party has obviously not upheld the kind of standards you would want for a country's president?

I find it appalling that there are people who vote for a party just because "they were raised that way" or "that is who my mom is voting for." To me that is lazy, take the time to know what YOU stand for and find a candidate who stands by your side.

Voting has a huge impact on our lives and the future of our society as a whole. Make your vote count and choose the candidate that shares your opinions and beliefs, and proves it by their actions, their words, and their plans. Do not vote for them because they are running for the party you claim to be a part of, show no signs of those ideals in their daily life; doing so is ineffective, and in the end does not put the best interest of the citizens and society at the forefront, which in my opinion should be the ultimate goal.

Your vote will always matter, make it count.