With election season upon us, most Americans are thinking about who they will vote for, why they will vote for that candidate, or why the other candidate is the absolute worst. But there’s a large potion of people who aren’t sure where to start. If you’re one of these people, worry not! Registering to vote is easy and important, and registering to vote by mail (with an absentee ballot) is just as simple.
It may feel like just one more thing on the to-do list, but it is so, so important to vote. Every vote cast has an equal sway in the election, so if you think that yours won’t matter, think again. Your vote is powerful—just as powerful as Beyoncé’s, Bill Gates’, or even the candidate’s votes. And even though voting is a right, it’s a right that we are lucky to have. So many people fought and devoted their lives to the women’s suffrage movement and to grant voting rights to all citizens regardless of race. Exercise this right because those who came before you in this country could not, and many in other countries can’t participate in their own elections based on gender or other irrelevant factors.
If you think you shouldn’t vote because you’re not informed enough, do some research, read news, talk to people you trust, or go on twitter—the information is everywhere, and the outcome of the election affects you as much as it affects the most educated political visionary. If the only thing stopping you is that you aren’t registered to vote, registering is simple (you can do it here). But don’t take it from me, take it from your president—Barak Obama Does 5 Things That Are Harder Than Registering to Vote.
You can register to vote here, and register to receive an absentee ballot here. The last day to request an absentee ballot is November 1st, and they need to be received by Election Day, November 8th. Now change the world!