Election season is upon us, and in our political climate, which is divided more than ever, voting is one of the most important things anyone can do.
Especially millennials, which is the largest voting block in the country. Unfortunatly, young people don't really understand the importance of voting and that's why they are less likely to vote compared to older generations like the Baby Boomers.
So, if you registered to vote and are on the fence about whether or not you want to vote, or if you don't understand why people care so much. Here's why.
1. You're making your voice heard.
When you fill out a ballot, you're making a statement that tells everyone what YOU think. You're basically saying: "This is what I think is best for our country." Sometimes people feel like their vote is shadowed by others, but every vote is important. There have been quite a few elections in our country where the results came down to just a couple people's ballots.
2. It's more than a right... it's also a privilege.
Not everyone has the right to vote, and of those who do, not many take advantage of it. Break the mold, because voting is a privilege that you were given the minute you turned 18. It's not just a right that you have and you should consider yourself blessed to have it. I'm a firm believer that if you choose not to vote, despite being eligible, than you loose the right to complain about what happens as a result of that election.
3. Voting is how we tell the government what to do.
Our representatives work for US, the taxpayers and the citizens. We get to decide who we think is fit, and voting is how you can let your opinion make its way into some of the most powerful position in the country. Don't you want to have a say in where your money is going?
4. Early voting is an option, and so is absentee voting, so "not having time" isn't really an excuse.
You can vote before election day, it's possible. You don't HAVE to sit through long polling lines or take a day off of work to go do so. The fact that these existence is a reason alone to take some time and go out and vote. It's honestly so easy.
5. You become more socially aware.
According to the "Polling Place Photo Project," having the "right to vote energizes social awareness since it empowers political cooperation." What that means is that those who have the right to vote tend to become more socially aware because most political issues center around social issues. For example, the LGBTQ+ community having the right to marry. If you choose not to vote or don't care about it, you're probably(emphasis on probably) not very socially aware of what's going on around you. Everyone should care about the things that are happening around you because, YES, they actually do effect you.
Bonus Reason: My birthday is November 5th so at the very least can't you just do it as a birthday present to me???