Today is national voter registration day, and the election is 42 days away. While I’m sure you are getting inundated with information on voter registration, I want to reinforce this. The right to vote is something that I am super passionate about; arguably, it is one of my largest passions.
Why do I, or why should you, care about voting? Voting is a privilege, one that so many people take advantage of or are not grateful for. Women have only had the right to vote for 100 years; African Americans only 55 years. Many women worldwide still do not have the right to vote in their countries. Personally, I think it is selfish to throw away your right to vote. You are being the given the chance to impact your political system, but you throw it away because you “don’t care” or “don’t like your options”. Voting isn’t about YOU; it is about change, doing your part for the greater community, and exercising the rights that you are so lucky to be afforded.
The right to vote is the right to express your wishes for the government, and how you want certain issues handled. It is the right for you to impact change: on the local, national, and even international level. If you are someone who prides yourself on being an activist for certain issues (i.e. climate change, immigration reform, domestic violence, racial inequities, etc.), you simply cannot champion these issues without voting for candidates that you believe will defend them. Your part is not done until you vote.
For many of us, voting may be the only way that we impact change. Why throw away your chance to stand up for what you believe in? And if you don’t know what you believe in, now is the time to research. There are plenty of reliable resources out there that can help you engage with the issues and candidates. Do NOT rely on advertising or the opinions of loved ones to make your decision. Your name is on the ballot, so make your vote personal to you.
There is no excuse not to vote, and there is no room for you to complain about how things are going in the world if you did not do your part. Now, get out there and do your research and do your part!
Linked here is a link to check voter registration: https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration
The TEA (Transitioning Early Adults) 