Voting has once again become a very major talking point in society and the day-to-day news, with midterms now less than two weeks away. There are many Americans who vote in local, state, and federal elections, and shoutout to those people. But I personally know several people who still don’t vote and find voting to be a waste of time. And I’m here to tell not just my own peers whom I know but to advocate to everyone, to make sure you vote. Doesn’t matter if you are on the left, center, or right; make sure you vote, and here’s why:
First, whether you choose to believe it or not, voting affects and has impacts on our everyday life. From the potholes you run over while driving that make your fast food cup top pop off to the culture blending and immigration laws in your city, county, or country, voting has effects on our everyday life. Voting, especially in local or state-level elections for people who plan to better and help nurture a community you envision yourself a part of, is key.
As well as being key, the idea that your vote doesn’t matter, especially on the local and state level, is incorrect. By voting for leaders, representatives, and officials that have ideals you align with and look to make progress in aspects of life you think should be pushed or preserved, you make your vote matter the moment you sign that ballot. We should always fight (in reasonable and legal causes) what we believe in, and voting is for everyone regardless of stance; we can disagree, but that doesn’t mean your vote is any less than mine.
One of the biggest aspects, especially for minorities in America, is the fact that the right to vote and make change is a right that was fought for. It’s a power of democracy that was not granted equally and had to be fought tirelessly for, and when you choose not to invoke that power granted to you constitutionally, you allow for someone else to make decisions for you, and everything that was fought for so strongly is for naught.
