“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the U.S.
I couldn’t put a number on the amount of people, young and old, who have expressed their reluctance to vote. Whether it was via social media or in-person, it doesn’t matter. It is your right as an American citizen to vote in every election presented to you – especially for the Presidency of the United States. How could you sit this out?
Maybe you don’t like either candidate, maybe you want to sleep or not wait in long lines, or maybe you just don’t care at all. I’m here to tell you that you should start to care because it is our country that is effected by your decision! YES. Your vote counts! NO. You cannot complain about the results of any election if you refuse to make an appearance at the polls. Many states are even offering early voting or absentee ballots for those who can’t make it on election day, so there is no reason you can’t stop by to check off the boxes.
Regardless of who you are voting for, this is your constitutional right we are talking about. Not so long ago in the past, minorities and even women had to fight for this right. Now, every citizen who is 18 years and older despite race, gender, or nationality has the right to vote.
The question: Why should you vote?
The answer: BECAUSE IT’S YOUR RIGHT, DUTY and PRIVILEGE AS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN!
The media has been saturated with political news. It has been a very long, drawn out process and if I see one more political ad I might scream! People around you are telling you who to vote for and what to think – it can be overwhelming. Political conversations can be quite unsettling and have the potential to ruin even the strongest bonds.
Remember: You are not obligated to talk about your opinions with anyone which is why I don’t (except for with close family and occasionally friends). It is important to know when to draw the line on political conversations. Yes, professors, I’m talking to you. Jamming your beliefs into the heads of students in a non-political class is preposterous! Stick to the lecture and the facts – let’s keep our opinions out of the classroom.
The Breakdown: Why You Should Vote
- It’s more than Trump vs. Clinton, there are many questions and local politicians on the ballot that make a big difference in our cities and towns
- People fought, suffered and died For this right (remember there are many countries where people still do not have a right to vote!)
- Voting is your voice
- Your vote can change make a difference in the outcome of local and national results – Most results are felt in the outcome of your local questions and elected officials
- We live in a Democracy – PROVE IT.
- Students make up a big portion of the population so, despite what many believe, they do make a difference at the polls
- Vote for your right to complain when the results aren’t in your favor (if you don’t vote for whatever reason, then do not complain about anything, EVER!)
- Nobody else will vote with YOUR interests in mind…only you can do that!
- Our founding fathers would be ashamed if you didn’t
- To set an example for younger generations
“For this Nation to remain true to its principles, we cannot allow any American’s vote to be denied, diluted, or defiled. The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.” Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the U. S.
In Conclusion:
Take a look around you. A look at this beautiful country we live in where all men, women and children are free despite their background, ethnicity, or beliefs. There is nobody with the power to tell you what to think or who to vote for. They may try to ‘suade you or change your beliefs, but nothing says that you have to conform to their ways.
Voting is one of the many rights and privileges that we have as free people in this wonderful democracy. Your vote is a way to express your thoughts – your voice. Who else is going to represent you at the polls if YOU don’t?
Be true to yourself. Your belief system and demands may be all your own and will never be passed through if you don’t express yourself when possible. Go in with new hope for this country, where it can go, and what could be done to improve it.
Elections come around every so often and when they are as monumental as this 2016 Presidential Election you have got to take a stand. You can make a difference. If people don’t show up to the polls then everything could fall apart. You won’t get your way and neither will they because of a lack of representation.
Encourage friends, family, and peers to vote in this election. I have heard way too many ‘I’m not going to bothers’ to not try and change their minds. I won’t publicly make an opinion on who I’m going to vote for, but I encourage all political parties to please exercise their right to vote.
Come one, come all! I hope to hear about everyone’s election experience – good or bad. Many of us are indecisive and that’s okay. Take some time to read up before you cast your vote on Tuesday, November 8th. Early voting will end and then the results will start rolling in. When you participate, it ups the anticipation and excitement.
Tip: To resist potential arrest DO NOT wear your candidate-branded shirt to the polls. Wear Mr. Bill instead – he’s awesome. Also, brush up on your politics with a little bit of the classic SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK!
Your local state and the entire country are counting on you to be present at the polls! Let me see your voting day selfies at #BiancaBlogs – ROCK THE VOTE!
