I voted on Election Day. According to PBS only 36.4% of the voter-eligible population turned out to vote on Election Day- the lowest midterm election turnout in 70 years. Many Americans and especially millennials—individuals from ages 18 to 34—did not vote because it was just the midterm election and they believed their votes didn’t matter. Although the U.S. Constitution gives us the right to vote, many of us don’t take advantage of this precious right that many other people in various countries do not have and are currently fighting for. Thus, I am calling all of you to let your voices be heard in future elections. If you are still not convinced, here are my 5 reasons why you should vote:
1. Do it for yourself. Whatever you believe in or want, vote so you can further these goals. If you do not vote for yourself, no one else will on your behalf. You have influence! Check this out (http://www.rockthevote.com/)!
2. “Women’s issues” are at the center of the political debate. “Equal Pay for Equal Work,” gender-related violence on and off college campuses, and abortion are just a few of the many issues that directly affect our lives as woman. We should have a say regarding the outcome.
3. Women have paved the way for us. So many women, such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought very hard women’s voting rights. Don’t let them down!
4. College debt! Various politicians are deciding how to deal with the rising cost of tuition and the increasing debt troubling college students. Decide which side of the debate you are on.
5. Ryan Gosling wants you too. That’s all I should have to say.
So as young women who have the power to influence government decisions with our votes, we should exercise our right. We should not let other people tell us that our votes do not matter. Our votes do matter and we do have a voice. I hope all of you vote in every election- presidential or midterm.