I’m not here to tell you who to vote for, but I am here to tell you that if you are able to vote, then you should absolutely be at the polls this year.

As millennials, we have an opinion about everything and we aren’t afraid to broadcast it on social media at every chance we get? And why wouldn’t we? We are the generation that is not only the largest but also the highest educated in the country with the most opportunities, so why shouldn’t we have a voice about everything? But then why are we so silent at the polls?

In the 2012 election, only 38 percent of eligible 18-24 year old's actually voted. Unfortunately, many young voters think that their vote doesn’t count and that is why they “don’t bother voting.” This simply isn’t true and the more this gets spread, the less of our generation is represented in our government system and nothing will ever change. Each vote adds up and therefore each vote makes a difference.

Our generation has the opportunity to change so many policies and issues such as the cost of higher education, environmental issues, marriage rights and so much more. We are driven, passionate and stubborn, yet when it comes to politics, we fall short.

For the young women out there, this is your time to really step up. Despite your political beliefs, this is a huge step for women who at one time were not even legally able to vote. Women are still making only 78 percent of what men make in the same positions. This is completely unacceptable and needs to be changed. This is something that can be changed by knowing to who to vote for and having a voice in policies and issues. This is the time for women to take a stand whether you vote for Hilary or not.

For those of you who don’t like either candidate, then vote third party. I hear all the time about how that won’t matter because they will never get elected, but imagine just how many votes that third party would get if all those who thought theirs “wouldn’t matter” would actually vote.

There are those who hate politics or just simply don’t care enough to follow it and this I think makes me the most frustrated. If you’ve ever complained about a policy, a tax, a candidate or anything that the government has control over, then you do care. I’m not one who cares about engineering or even understand it completely, but I do respect that I can get in an elevator that someone constructed and it doesn’t kill me.

If you’re not completely sure who’s policies you agree with, try I Side With for the easiest way to get an idea and stay informed about the candidates. I promise you that you’ll never regret voting, but you might regret not.

So get to the polls this year, millennials!