Election day is right around the corner on Tuesday. For many of us, it is our first chance to vote in the general election. Take advantage of this right that you are now eligible for. Not sure if voting is worth all the effort or if your vote will really make a difference? Here are six reasons why it is as important as ever to go to the polls this Tuesday.
1.College student voters are more diverse than any other constituency.
According to Rock the Vote “Sixty-one percent of Millennials identify as White, while 17% are Hispanic, 15% are Black and 4% are Asian.” College students need to vote to represent their constituency’s diversity.
2.It’s your right.
We’ve been told this for as long as we remember learning about government in elementary school, voting is an important duty and right that all American citizens should act upon. We are lucky that our government allows their citizens to have a part in selecting government officials because this is not the case in numerous countries around the world.
3.Economic policies affect college student’s futures.
One of the most talked about reforms amongst candidates is making decisions about high education costs and student loan policies. This issue is something that every single one of us has dealt with, and instead of just complaining about the costs and your debt; you should stand up and make a change by voting.
4.Politicians won’t address student need without student votes.
Politicians are more likely to support the initiatives of the group with the highest voter turnout. For college students to have a significant influence and get the reforms they want done, they must create a great voter turnout than in previous years. With your help, this very well could happen.
5.Your vote really does make a difference.
There are more than 75 million Millennials. Whoever tells you that your vote doesn’t matter obviously does not know the power of a handful of votes. In the 2000 Presidential Election, President George W. Bush beat Al Gore by only 537 votes. So the next time you think your vote doesn’t matter, think back to that election that was deemed “too close to call.”
6.Many people fought for your right to vote.
Voting is a way to honor those who secured our right to vote. No matter your gender, race, or age, someone had to fight for your right to vote, and that came with a cost. From military members who fought for our country, civil rights leaders, and suffrage activists, we owe our appreciation to them. By voting, you are paying your respects to every single person who fought for this right.