It’s almost here, in less than a month the U.S. will be deciding who our next President will be. Before I continue, I want to point out that this election, my first opportunity to vote for a President, is one that has been very troubling to me, and one where I feel like I cannot fully support anyone. I know how I am going to vote, but I also know that by no means does my vote mean that I respect or even like said candidate. But whether you are on the Trump Train or you’re with Hillary, the simple fact remains that you need to vote.
While the focus is on the Presidential Election right now, due to the importance of it in the media today, this holds true for all elections. I admit, I am not very educated on Congress and those that represent North Carolina or on local elections, but the race for the presidency has made it clear that I should be. There is no doubt that our next president will bring change and some angry Americans with them, but our government is set up to attempt to ensure that no one person can have exclusive power, whether they be a Trump or a Clinton.
So what does that mean? Quickly research those running for Congress and go vote for who looks good? Does it mean that our system is effective and makes for a fair and caring government? Not quite. What it means is that we need to really take time to look into the people who are there to advocate for their beliefs. We need to think about what we believe and if that lines up with those who are supposed to represent us. We need to know when we have the opportunity to vote for those running for these representative positions. We need to educate ourselves.
There are a few things we cannot ignore, especially in the political environment in which we live. We are humans and we do not all agree, so as a result you may not have someone who can represent everything you believe in. Don’t forget that a person who disagrees with you is not necessarily wrong, so don’t get heated but instead hear them out. We are not always right and our points of view can change (just like Donald and Hilary’s have over the years). Finally, it is ok to differ in your opinions from your parents, your best friends, your significant other, and any other important person in your life, but it is not ok to be hateful to anyone for it.
It’s not too late to become politically involved, we’ve got many presidencies ahead (I hope). But it is up to us to do what we can to make our city, county, state and country what we want them to be. So get educated, vote, and encourage your friends to do the same. Don’t let your chance to put your 2 cents in pass you by.