If you live in the United States and are over the age of eighteen, your voice needs to be heard now more than ever. If Taylor Swift got over 35,000 citizens to register from a simple Instagram story post, surely an informative article could persuade even just a few. The truth of the matter is, there is no reason not to vote! Casting your vote is not only an incredibly simple process, but is also the most effective way to ensure you have power in this country. As a United States citizen, voting is your not-so-secret superpower.
For the average citizen who does not involve themselves in politics, being told to vote begins to feel redundant. After all, if you do not keep up with political candidates, why should you care who gets elected? Well, the reality is that voting covers way more ground than simply electing representatives. As a matter of fact, issues on the ballot often concern matters of our everyday lives. Elections occur at the local, state and federal levels, with each bringing upon different issues and proposed policies. These issues can cover anything from environmental regulations to transgender rights to foreign policy. It is our responsibility to involve ourselves in these issues, and our right to have a say in them. Regardless of personal viewpoints or ideologies, young people must make their voices heard.
An example of how an election can affect the average citizen is a school levy, within a local election. Depending on whether it passes or fails, much can change within your specific community. The only way to gain back power and make your voice heard in situations like these is to exercise your natural right to vote. In these cases, voting gives you the opportunity to better your community and pave the way for future generations.
Even if you are searching for one solid reason to get involved with voting, think about all of the women who paved the way for you to do so. Importantly, women were not given the right to vote until 1920. Additionally, African-American women were not given this right until 1965. The women’s suffrage movement worked tirelessly to pave the way for our future. It is important that we feel empowered by the women who came before us and take advantage of the rights we are very privileged to have, because of them. The ultimate girl bosses are registered voters!
Now that we have discussed the why, it is important to know how. Truth be told, registering to vote was one of the simplest things I have ever done. The process is very streamlined, mostly just consisting of simple paperwork. You have three choices for registration, which are; in person, online and via mail. All of these options can be quickly accessed through a simple internet search. In fact, vote.org is an excellent resource and is accessible to all citizens regardless of location.
Additionally, when it comes to registration, many are not aware that you may only vote in the county you have registered in. This can stand in the way for college students, who are oftentimes a reasonable distance from their home country. Luckily, voters have the choice to also register in the county of their college campus. This makes voting even more accessible! This process is also incredibly simple and can be done in the same way you originally registered. Most campuses will also provide resources to do so if you seek them out.
Listen to Taylor Swift- and vote! It is easy to register, accessible to all, and the best way to take power back over our communities. Additionally, voting is an excellent way to pay homage to the women who fought for this right. As American citizens, we are privileged to have voting rights and have no reason not to exercise them. So please, make use of your superpower, and register!
