Voting Matters
We are fortunate to live in a society where our opinion matters. We have a say in the laws that govern us and we have a voice. Some people will say that a singular vote does not matter, these people would be wrong. Decisions are made by those who show up. It is our jobs and our duty to cast a vote in the coming election. Voting is how we take a stance on an issue and it is crucial to ensure we continue to live in a free democracy.
Your Opinion Matters
Plenty of people will say that a single vote does not matter, these people couldn’t be more wrong. When you look at the number of votes that will be cast on Election Day it is easy to feel insignificant; however, we must remember one crucial thing. No one gets more than one vote. Bring rich, or being famous, or being an important government official does not entitle you to a bigger say in an election. Every American has an equal voice and the majority rules. We are a society made up of many different cultures and opinions and we come together as one nation to decide how we should move forward as a singular people. If you do not vote you are giving up your right to have an opinion. Voting is the best way to take a stand on an issue or to support a candidate and platform. Talk is talk and voting is taking action. So no matter how you think an election will end up, do not give up you chance to make a difference.
Register
You cannot go a day without seeing a commercial, receiving a political text message, or coming across some sort of politically motivated flier in the mail. Although many of these messages do have politically motivated sponsors, some even strongly suggesting who to vote for, they do share one common idea. They all tell you to register or ensure you are registered to vote. There are hundreds of organizations and social influencers on both sides of the political spectrum who take up this message. They all share this one idea and this one message and that is to vote for them. So what do you do if you are not sure if you are registered? Simply go to your local election offices website. Most will have tools to help you check your registration status. If you are registered they will provide you information regarding your polling location and what you need to legally cast a ballet. Finally, if you are not registered these websites will provide you the tools to get registered. It is not too late to register and get involved, do not wait and take action now.
Right to Vote
Voting is a right granted to almost every American citizen of age, there are some rules that prohibit someone from voting but those are extreme circumstances. This is important to know because almost every year we hear stories about voter suppression. Unfortunately, not everyone is fair and honest and some people try to influence elections in dishonest ways. People try to stop groups from voting because they fear their party, their candidate, or their issue might lose as a result. So it is important to know your rights. If you are registered to vote you must show up during poll hours. Additionally, if you are in line to vote when the polling location closes you are still legally allowed to cast a ballot. So never get out of line. If someone tells you the poll location is closed, simply inform them that you were there and signed up in time and they cannot stop you from casting a ballot. So this can raise the question of what should you do if you feel like your rights have been violated? There are many organizations that will help you take up legal action. Additionally, it is important to contact the board of elections. It is impossible to solve a problem if it is not reported. Give the appropriate people the correct information so they can address the issue in the proper manner.
Who to Vote For
Deciding who to vote for is a personal preference and a complicated question to answer. We must first come to the realization that not every candidate is perfect. You will always agree with a candidate on some issues but not others. So the hard part is deciding which candidate will best represent your interests. Unfortunately modern politics focuses a lot on the extreme sides of both parties. That being said there is still a place for a conservative democrat or a liberal republican. An individual candidate might be a member of a certain political party and they will be influenced by the agenda of the party they are aligned; however, when it comes to a Senate or House of Representatives vote they can make their own decisions. An elected official’s main responsibility is to their constituents. If you feel like your representative is not voting in the best interest of your community then vote for someone else. If you are unsure who what a candidate stands for, do some research. Every quality candidate should be willing to answer questions on where they stand on issues. Additionally, there are numerous other sources of information out there to aid you in making a decision. Local media and many online websites specialize in covering local elections. Read the information they have to offer and make a decision based on the facts and not the opinion of others.
An individual’s right to vote is the pillar of American Democracy. We are at times a divided country but we must remember we are stronger together. The best way to get involved is to vote and to stay involved in local government, even if your candidate loses. We are all part of the American dream and we must fulfill our obligation to it. So ensure you are registered and go vote. It is one of the most patriotic and important things you can do.