Dear all of those who have a voice and decide not to use it,

What is your reason? July 4, 1776 - a day of independence. A day that gave a clean slate for the United States to be, well, united. Democracy was implemented because back then, that's what every citizen wanted. After being tired of monarchal rule, they wanted to have a voice in the matters of their state instead of someone else doing that for them. Since that day, thousands have exercised their right to vote - why don't you?

In 2012, and only 57.5% of eligible voters actually voted. That’s a huge percentage of people who chose not to vote when they are perfectly capable to do so. A high enough percentage that if they chose to vote, our elections could have turned out completely different. If your reason is that your voice doesn’t have a say in the general population, not saying anything at all only lets a few to be represented. Speak up and you have the power to raise that 57.5%.

What is your reason to not share your opinion? You have one, don't you? I get that politics may not be your thing, but it's politics that control a big portion of your life, and to not have a say as to what goes on in that portion, should be seen as unheard of. Taxes directly affect you, don’t you want a say in where your money ends up? It's free to register to vote; not costing you a thing to make decisions on your money.

Now I don't mean to just go out and pick “eenie, meenie, miney, mo” on the ballot to vote for. Voting should always be considered a privilege and should be treated as so. I think the lack of capable voters is due to the fact that they aren't well educated on the present politics. Spend a little time researching each candidate (aside from the social media perspective) and create your own opinion and determine what you want your voice to say. When you are well educated on a topic, you seem to develop an interest to it.

I ask again, what are your reasons? Whatever your reason is, there is a better one to prove yours invalid. The right to vote is such a privilege just like having your license, not everyone has this right. If you don't use your ability to vote, what is the point of having a democracy in the first place?

All I can say is, to choose not to vote is definitely not what the people back in 1776 planned for the future of our country.

Sincerely,

57.5% of the eligible voters.