Most can agree that the 2016 presidential election of the United States has kept the nation captivated. This momentous campaign for presidency is possibly the most controversial and chaotic one of the century. Although choosing my first candidate as a first-time voter has resulted in many pros and cons lists, I still plan on exercising my right to vote. My friends and classmates are perplexed about who to choose to lead our country. For some, this election is a matter of which candidate they hate the least. Others plan to not vote at all. Anyone who is in that same position must remember the privilege of participating in a democracy

Past and current leaders of the United States have successfully protected the rights of the people. Advocates of the Civil Rights Movement and those who fought for women's suffrage all fought for a country where everyone could vote. Although the writers of the Constitution created an impenetrable exclusivity for voting, their intent was to establish a free nation. They succeeded and our country has the right to vote. As citizens of the country that these patriots buttressed at its origin, we should realize the honor of the right to vote.

Now that this aspiration of democracy became a reality, we must honor the sacrifices people endured so that we may vote. I understand that because of said freedom, we can choose not to vote. However, it is our duty as Americans to honor those who lost their lives in the pursuit and protection of freedom. As a young woman myself, I know that the leading ladies at Seneca Falls would not approve if I chose to skip this year's election because I couldn't decide on a candidate. They probably never imagined the state of the current election, but nevertheless, I will take advantage of my freedom.

Furthermore, if you don't vote, you can't complain. If the next president of the United States takes actions that you loathe, but you found it unimportant to vote in the first place, that's on you. People love to list off all the things the national government fails to achieve. However, only about half of the U.S. population has voted in recent elections. Americans need to step up their game.

Other countries around the world are ruled by dictators or other forms of oppression, and we should feel empowered that we can choose our nation's leaders. We as the citizens of this country are responsible for keeping the government in check, and the government must do its best to represent the people. Without the participation of the people, America cannot properly function as a democracy. So, whether you "Feel the Bern," want "Hillary for America," or wish to "Make America Great Again," make sure to show up to vote.