You Should Vote Before The Time Is Up | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

5 Major Reasons You Should Register To Vote Before The Time Is Up

It's almost to late to register, so here's why you should do it this instant!

219
5 Major Reasons You Should Register To Vote Before The Time Is Up

In This Article:

Many people don't realize how important voting is or what kind of voice it gives them when it comes to important political decisions in the United States. Some people never vote because they're just plain lazy. Whatever your reasoning is, you might need a little extra push to get you to register. Here are five reasons you should register before the time is up:

1. Your vote = your voice.

Giphy

This sounds cliche, and you probably hear it from everyone, but it's true. Your vote is literally your voice. You have the opportunity to make a difference in your country and elect politicians that you like, but you can't exercise this without voting.

You might think that your vote, a single vote, won't impact the election overall. You might think that it's obvious which candidate will win so there's no point in you voting anyway. Whatever you're doing to convince yourself that your vote doesn't matter, stop it right now.

Imagine if everyone single citizen of the U.S. thought their vote didn't matter. Imagine if 50% of citizens decided they wouldn't vote because their ballot wouldn't change anything. That's a huge difference, isn't it?

Voting gives you the wonderful opportunity to use our democratic system and play a part in who wins political office in this country. What better way to use your voice and make your choice!

2. Not voting is like watching your friends fight and doing nothing about it.

Giphy

This might be a little dramatic. Actually, it's not. Not voting is really like standing by while your friends get in a huge argument and just watching. To be honest, it's more like watching a car accident, especially in the case of the 2016 presidential election.

The point I'm trying to make is that not voting is pretty much to most passive thing you can do during an election. Not voting shows that you just don't care about the outcome of this country, whether that's good or bad. If you go through the trouble to watch the news, listen to political debates, or read about politics, than you might as well do it. You're pretty much standing by while to friends (or political parties) hash it out while you watch rather than try to do something about it.

The metaphor is a bit of a stretch but what I'm trying to say is that politics are messy and voting is one way that you can be a part of them, rather than stand by and do nothing while our country goes to shit.

3. Your vote is one of the effective ways to communicate with your government. 

Giphy

Let's face it, most people don't get the opportunity to communicate with the U.S. government in any way, shape, or form. Believe it or not, voting is one of the only ways you can do that.

Your vote is a direct message about who you want in office and who you don't. While it may seem like you're one in a million, your ballot definitely impacts the outcome. Should you decide not to vote, then you're giving up the chance to have a say in politics and let your government know how you feel.

4. Why wouldn't you? Are you lazy?

Giphy

To be completely honest, not voting is pure laziness. Through early voting, you have days and days and days to get to the polls and vote. Before that, you have months and months to register so it's damn near impossible to not get it done.

If you "forgot" to register or "forgot" to vote, your procrastination skills are through the roof, and that's not something to brag about in a job interview. I suggest you buy yourself a planner and start writing stuff down.

Both registering to vote and voting are short and simple tasks, especially if you take advantage of early voting. If you had weeks to do both of them and didn't do either, you might want to consider buying three planners just to get that extra help.

5. Because you just should as a citizen of the United States. It's the right thing to do. 

Giphy

If the four previous points didn't convince you, I don't know what will.

You should vote. It's the right thing to do and you'll feel good about it afterwards. I promise. If you care about democracy, politics, freedom, human rights issues, etc., you should vote. Here you have this awesome opportunity to share your voice and make a difference. Now, take it.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

513
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1284
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3976
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

18019
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments