There are many people in today’s society who don’t want to vote. Whether it be because they don’t care, or they think it doesn’t matter- they don’t go out to the polls. However, I happen to believe that voting is very important. You may think your vote doesn’t matter, but it does. There have been times in this election when Bernie Sanders lost by half a percent — meaning if more people had voted, he may have won. It may seem like the media has already declared a winner in some respects, but there is a way you can change that. Vote.

And I don’t understand people who “don’t care.” Because they do. I was talking to a woman who was legitimately thinking about moving to Canada if Trump won the Presidency. I told her to vote so that maybe that wouldn’t have to happen, and she responded that she didn’t care and wasn’t in to politics. So, you care enough that you would move, but not enough to vote? There is a reason that minorities in the past fought for the right to vote: it was because they wanted their voice heard, and they wanted a say in their country. And this is still an important thing today. Everyone deserves the chance to decide who they want to run the country, or help run it.

If you actually don’t care at all, then try to take a step back. Think about the Muslim children who are fearing for their lives because of Trump’s comments. Think about your aunt with the small business. If you don’t care, then what about them? Surely you want to vote for a candidate who will help these people you care about.

As for not caring about politics, I can see why people wouldn’t want to vote because of that. It’s scary to make a decision that you aren’t really sure about or aren’t informed enough about. However, there are several resources for you to become more educated and make the proper decision. I know that a lot of people just don’t like politics, but sadly, you kind of have to. We’ll be stuck with one of the five candidates for four years, and they’re going to change a lot, so I really recommend learning all you can and voting.

Voting can be stressful, and it can certainly cause heated debates in your family. However, it is an important process that all Americans should take part in. I think if you don’t vote, but you complain about the candidate chosen, then that really isn’t fair. You had your chance to make your opinion heard, but you didn’t take that chance. And posting statuses on Facebook doesn’t count. You have to actually go to the polls and make sure you get your voice heard. Weather your voice “actually matters” or not is another debate that I don’t want to discuss here. But, in my opinion, voting really helps. One vote can be powerful, and it can have an effect that you could have never thought.