We are nearing the presidential election—about 2 weeks to be exact. For some, like me, this is our first time voting. When I was younger, I didn’t understand much about voting. I never realized the impact that it had on our democracy, let alone our entire country. I always tagged along with my parents to polling stations, never thinking much of it. However, as I grow older, as I grow wiser, and as I eagerly wait for voting day to cast my very first presidential ballot, I now realize just how important it is.
As we get closer and closer to election day, we are being bombarded with not only campaign ads, but the sudden dire urgency for Americans to vote in this election in particular. Celebrities are educating us about voting, there are commercials making sure Americans are registered to vote, clothing merchandise being made, and social media posts everywhere on the importance of participating in this election.
It is noted that college students are the biggest contributors to a presidential election. Why might you ask? It’s because we are the future of the country. We are the future generation that is going to change the course of many years to come. Our generation is paving the way to the future.
The privilege of voting was not always ours. Women didn’t have the opportunity to vote until 1920. African Americans couldn’t vote until 1965. People fought hard to provide Americans with this opportunity. This is why your vote matters. This should be your incentive to vote.
So I encourage you to stay up to date on our two presidential candidates as we approach election day. Be informed so that you are ready. Above all else, make your voice heard. Change will never happen unless we make it happen. How will we have a better America if no one will take a stand? Our first step to reunifying this country is to vote. This is not about choosing sides. This is not about your political viewpoint. It’s about performing your civic duty, some for the very first time. It is a privilege to be able to vote. So do it.