It’s election season. So, do you vote? “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” “My vote doesn’t count.” “Who is even running?” “Why does it even matter?” These are some of the most common excuses for why people do not vote.
Americans and their media idolize and exploit their favorite presidential candidates before each election season. But who’s your favorite city councilmember? Which state bills have you riled up this legislative session? In all fairness, these localized elections are not as publicized as broadly as the national elections. But in many ways, these elections affect our everyday lives.
Some vote because they’re forced to, woken up early, dressed and shoved out the door ready to cast their votes at the “request” of their parents. During that time, your parents might give you candidates to choose, knowing you don’t know yourself. Other times, you have a political party and you automatically stick with it. Regardless of whether or not you ever heard his or her name or platform. Get in, get out. Thank you for the sticker.
Remember that pothole that popped your tire on the way to class? Atlanta is behind on infrastructure repair by almost a billion dollars. Did you vote on any of the spending plans? Do you know how and why you’re being taxed? What’s the point in complaining about nothing being done, if you make no efforts to see the candidates, hear the issues, or try to make a difference by voting? You should be engaged in the community you’re a part of. If you don’t vote, by default, you yield your voice to those who do, which could easily lean towards what you don’t believe in.
Voicing your opinion to your representatives is extremely important. Everyone’s voice matters no matter what it may seems like. There are too many people every year who assume that, since they are only one person, can’t make a difference. But if you took all those people and counted their vote, it could shift the political climate?of the United States.
The thought of someone not wanting their voice heard is disconcerting to a gang of journalists. Where some people live in fear of voicing their political views, some Americans — more often than not — simply do not care enough. Some Americans have sacrificed a lot to give the current generation the right to express our political views without fear of retribution from the government.
Swing that first amendment like the hammer of Thor. Too many people worry that their view may now be the “correct” view. However, that should never stop you from voting. Your opinion matters to your representative and your vote matters to America.
Voting in your local elections can also have influence on national policy. By electing representatives in your local government, you give your local community a voice in national discussion. These representatives will be more in-tune with the needs and concerns of your community.
Candidates have a term. Bills and resolutions meander through the legislature. When that term is up and that bill is passed or killed, it’s time to learn about the new kids on the block. Your parents will not be there to drag you out of bed and give you suggestions.
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