One of the many things that distinguishes the United States of the America as a special place is its citizen’s freedom to vote. Despite this, the U.S. is also notorious for having one of the lowest voter turnout rates among all democratic nations: Only 57.5% of all eligible voters voted during the last presidential election.
Voter turnout is especially low among young people. As college students, we are often very passionate to vocalize our opinions with our friends and family members; however, when it comes to actually voting in an election, whether it’s a presidential or local election, we don’t seem to be as active or excited as we usually are in our Facebook posts and retweets.
Here are five of the many reasons why we should definitely vote on November 8th, 2016.
1. It’s your civic responsibility
While some people may argue that voting is actually a right, not a duty, everyone should still feel honored to have the ability to cast his or her vote in an election. Just like the great Abraham Lincoln famously wrote, our government is one “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” By voting in elections we are actively preserving this tradition.
2. It’s a privilege that not everyone in the world has
Many of us often don’t realize how sacred the right to vote is. While people from many other countries in the world also have the right to elect their own governments, people from some countries, like China, still have no say over who their elected officials are! Hence, the right to vote is, in fact, a privilege that all of us should feel very honored to have.
3. It’s a privilege that women didn’t even have a century ago
Women had to put up a very long and tough fight for the right to vote. From becoming total social outcasts to actually being thrown into jail for protesting, suffragettes such as Lucy Stone and Susan B. Anthony risked both their reputations and lives striving for equal political power for both men and women. Regardless of which candidate you support, the 2016 presidential election is yet another milestone in terms of women rights. For the first time in American history, a woman is running for president representing a major party. Shout out to all young women across campus: This is your chance to live the suffragettes’ hard-fought legacy!
4. It actually makes a difference
It might sound cliché, but your vote can actually matters a lot. One of the many reasons why people have paid extra attention to this election in particular is because of the many important decisions whoever becomes president has to make once he (or she) is in office. There are just so many issues that need to be handled, such as how to combat and defeat ISIS, who to nominate to the Supreme Court, etc.The result of this election will forever make differences in all those areas, and the vote that you, as well as millions of your fellow Americans, cast will determine the person who will make those decisions.
5. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain
Let’s admit it, we all complain about things. For example, how many times have you said or heard others say, “Thanks, Obama” in a sarcastic tone? It wouldn’t fair if we choose to not vote and still complain about the person who ends up becoming president. Following this logic, if we still want to complain, we have to vote. At least, that way, our complaints are more justified.
Unsure of where to vote? Check out HeadCount to find your polling place! Don’t have a car on campus? Dickinson runs shuttles to take students to polling locations throughout the day. So, there are no excuses! Regardless of who you cast your vote for this election cycle, be sure to get out there and have your voice heard.