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Why It’s So Important for College Students to Vote

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter.

You need to vote. Voting is both a privilege and a right that people before you fought to obtain. It is a sign of the freedom and democracy of the United States. It is a signal that you are a politically engaged member of society who will fight to ensure your voice is represented. It is your civic duty.

 

You need to vote. This year, 2018, is going to be a historic election. Already, records have been broken for female gubernatorial and Senate candidates to win a primary. This election could yield the first black female governor, the first transgender woman governor, the first Native American woman in Congress and the first openly bisexual senator. This election could lead to greater representation for those who have been historically underrepresented in government.

 

You need to vote. According to the United States Census Bureau, over the last twenty years, the voter turnout among eligible voters has dropped substantially, and this rate is even worse for midterm elections. No, the presidency of the United States is not up for election, but 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 seats in the Senate are. The President is not the only person in our government who makes decisions for the country; the legislative branch has immense power in determining the laws that we live by, and we get to choose the legislators who create those laws. The upcoming election could change the composition of an entire branch of government. The House of Representatives and Senate currently have Republican majorities, but the Democrats could take both in this election.

 

You need to vote. While the voting rate for the United States has declined, according to the Pew Research Center, millennials have cast the least amount of votes proportional to the number of eligible voters. The majority of voters tend to be older citizens, and consequently, it is their interests that are most often represented in government. If you want your own interests heard, it is your responsibility to break this pattern and cast your vote.

 

You need to vote. Whether or not you are aware, your representatives are making important decisions on your behalf. Congress plays a key role in deciding how much you pay in taxes, what kind of reproductive rights you have and to what extent you are entitled to healthcare. If any of these issues are important to you, voting gives you the power to choose who is making these decisions for you. If you don’t know where candidates stand on certain issues, sources like the National League of Women Voters offers nonpartisan information about the candidates.

 

You need to vote. Maybe it’s raining, or you have to study for midterms or you just don’t think that your one vote will make a difference. It’s unlikely that any election will come down to one vote, but if everyone thinks that way, it absolutely could change the results of an election. Your vote is important – don’t let it go to waste. Voting only takes a few minutes, so take time out of your day to cast your ballot.

 

You need to vote. This year, the election will take place on Tuesday, November 6th. Check the requirements of your local polling place to make sure you bring all of the necessary documents. Most states require at least one form of ID, along with proof of residency in the state you plan to vote in. If you are voting absentee, the requirements may differ from the state you are currently residing in. Moreover, several states have begun to offer early voting. If you are unable to vote on November 6th, check to see if your state allows you to vote before Election Day.

 

Voting can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the candidates in your state, and cast an informed vote this November.

 

Hannah, originally from Milwaukee, WI is a Campus Correspondent for HC Wisconsin.  Hannah is a Senior and is studying Political Science and Psychology.  She aspires to work in health policy and will run for office one day.  She is never seen without a cup of coffee in hand and loves to eat any food in sight, especially sushi.  Outside of school, Hannah frequents Badger sporting events and likes to hang out with her friends on the weekends finding new things to do and new places to eat.  Hannah also runs her own Mary Kay business and is obsessed with keeping up with the latest makeup trends! This will be her seventh semester on the Her Campus team, and she loves the org more and more each semester!  It is Hannah's favorite thing that she is involved in on campus and highly recommends anyone with an interest in writing, journalism, or blogging to get involved, you won't regret it! On Wisconsin!!