"Your vote doesn't matter. The electoral college decides the fate of our country anyway!" "One vote won't change the election!" "A vote for a third party candidate is a wasted vote!"

Don't listen to them.

Your vote does matter. You are a citizen of the United States of America. Our country has undergone a transformation in how we view the election process since our founding. No longer do you need to be a rich, white man to have a voice. You can be a struggling college student who just wants your voice to be heard. You have the right to vote, and you should use it. Here's why:

In 1776, our nation was founded. We outlined our principles in the Declaration of Independence,“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But did every man really have unalienable rights? The answer is no, because only land owners were allowed to vote at this time.

In 1789, only 6% of the population was eligible to vote because only 6% of the population owned land.

In 1790, to become a citizen, you had to be free and white, thus African Americans who were slaves at the time were unable to vote.

In 1856, it was declared that any white man could vote regardless of property ownership.

In 1868, former slaves were granted citizenship, but voting is still left in the hands of the state.

In 1870, the 15th Amendment is passed stating that no citizen may be denied the right to vote based on race. But don't be fooled, states still enacted literacy tests, which for African American citizens, were sometimes along the lines of, "Quote the 10th word of fifth line of the 12th paragraph of the Declaration of Independence."

In 1872, Susan B. Anthony attempts to vote and is arrested.

In 1882, Chinese immigrants are denied the right to become citizens.

In 1887, Native Americans are granted citizenship *IF* they up their tribal heritage.

In 1890, Wyoming becomes the first state to grant women the right to vote in their state constitution.

In 1919, Native Americans are granted citizenship through military service.

In 1920, women are granted the right to vote in state and federal elections in the 19th Amendment.

In 1924, Japanese immigrants are denied citizenship.

In 1925, Filipinos can gain citizenship through military service.

In 1947, Native Americans are granted the right to vote with no legal barriers.

In 1952, all people of Asian descent are given the ability to become citizens.

In 1963-64, voting rights became an issue of civil rights. The summer of 19644 is known as Freedom Summer. Thousands of people swarmed to the southern United States to participate in protests and rallies in order for African Americans to have the same civil rights as their white counterparts.

In 1965, the Voting Rights Act is passed. The Voting Rights Act prevented discrimination, and it put into place efforts that would keep discrimination from happening. Just because this act passed, the hearts of citizens did not change overnight. African Americans were still tormented in their efforts to vote.

In 1971, the voting age is lowered to 18.

In 2016, we face a tough election. Most Americans are not happy with either or the candidates representing the two major parties. People say to vote for the lesser of the two evils. Others say to vote third party. Others say don't vote at all; that the absence of a vote is a vote for a change.

I disagree.

By not voting, you are negating all of the efforts we have made as a country. You are disregarding the efforts of Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr. As an American citizen, it is your right and duty to vote. Do your research and find a candidate that you think should lead our country.

For more information and historical facts check out this website.