The United States has been plagued with a terrible case of voter apathy. Within the recent years, the nation has experienced shockingly low voter turnouts. For instance, the U.S. witnessed a 58.23% turnout of the voting age population (V.A.P.) in 2008, while 2012 only saw a 54.87% turnout of the V.A.P. In fact, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance ranked the U.S. as 120th for average national voter turnout in the world.

So, why do people not vote? Well, the United States’ tremendously low voter turnout derives from a number of different issues, such as juggling school, work or personal commitments. However, the majority of citizens refuse to vote because of a lack of interest on the elections. As a matter of fact, potential voters remain uneducated on the United States’ political process, thus, they believe that their votes have no effect on the election and do not count in the long run. Nowadays, the sacrifices and hard work of the Founding Fathers seems to be taken for granted.

That being the case, the citizens of the U.S. must learn about their government and issues that matter to them—especially the young voters, who need to be educated on politics so they may form their own political beliefs on different topics. When the time comes to vote, one must choose candidates that will represent their beliefs and ideals. The apathetic attitudes towards voting has to change, and the people need to start making careful decisions at their next election.

To put it briefly, wake up! The 2016 elections will be here soon and the stakes have never been higher before. Whether at a local or national election, voting allows the people to be represented and have their voices heard. Democracy would not exist without the right to vote. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."

Get educated! Be politically aware! Prepare ahead of time! Register and go vote this November!