Although it may seem unimportant now, the presidential election actually is really important. It is going to affect your life, and in more ways than one. Here's why.
The president's actual term will begin in January 2017. So at that point, you will be two years closer to adulthood, a.k.a. two years closer to their legislation actually having an effect on your life.
Don't think gun control affects you? It does.
Don't think heath care affects you? It does.
Don't think Planned Parenthood affects you? It does.
Don't think Immigration affects you? It does.
Don't think tax reform affects you? It does.
Don't think the economy affects you? It does.
The president serves for at least four years, if not more. This means that whoever gets elected will be serving at least until after I graduate college, if not later. So when I enter the workforce, this person will be governing our country.
Whoever wins the election will be the new figurehead of our country to the entire world. This person will represent our country to our allies and enemies alike. Do we want a negative picture to represent our country?
The president is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. So if you or a loved one is in a branch of service, then the new president will become their boss. This person will have the ultimate decision on many important things, including how various weapons are used and what they are used for, and where different troops and ships are sent. All military generals will take orders from the president. They have the final say.
The president also has many other powers, including how laws are passed and enforced while also choosing secretaries for many important offices, including Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Agriculture.
This presidential election is the first that many millennials will be able to vote in. This is the first chance for our generation to share our beliefs, thoughts, and wants for our country. This is our first chance to make a change and stand up for something.
I challenge you to go vote. To watch the news. Get involved in a campaign. To pay attention to what these candidates have to say. I challenge you that next time any candidate is in your town, take time out of your day to listen to what they have to say.
And then maybe, one day, you will get to say you met the president of the United States.