    Growing up means gaining more and more responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities for adult American citizens is voting. When you turn eighteen you can vote in federal, state, and local elections. Voting is not only a vital aspect to our government, but also for our daily lives as well. It may seem scary to be thrown into a world with serious decisions, but voting is a great way to start your journey into adulthood!
    When you go to college, you may find it hard to keep up with elections, especially local ones if you study at a college far from home. Some college students don’t vote in elections due to an inability to get home in time. Luckily, there is a great solution: the absentee ballot! Thankfully for college students who value their time, applying for an absentee ballot takes about 2 minutes and can be done right here: https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/
    Our great country allows us the freedom to vote for whoever we want, and we, as American citizens, should get excited that we are able to have a say in our government! It is okay to not agree with political figures in our government, and you can voice your concerns by voting. It is important to elect the politicians that you agree with so they can represent your voice. It is also essential to do your research on issues and the candidates’ stances on them. This will make you well-educated on political topics and give you a better idea of who you want to represent you.Â
    College students make up a large population in America; there are over 16 million of us! This can really influence elections. The only individuals who can understand college students’ minds and ideas are the college students themselves, so you need to express these ideas and opinions by voting! One hundred years ago, before the 19th Amendment was ratified, us women would have had no say in our very own government. However, we do now. We should want to make our female ancestors proud and vote not just for yourself, but for every woman who could not. Find a reason that inspires you to vote!
    Voting is the most important thing you can do for your government, and I believe that everyone should do just that. Voting is important not just for the present, but for the past and the future alike. We are heading in the right direction, and I hope that one day all American citizens realize how important it is for their voices to be heard. If you need any information on how to either register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot, here are some helpful websites:
https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/students-and-first-time-voters/
https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/
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HCXO,
Angel Scalamogna