Voting is an immensely important factor that will contribute to our future. Here in the United States, we are extremely lucky to have the opportunity as individuals to choose our future representatives, our leaders and how our future may unravel. Although we aren’t forced to vote, it’s important to do so. Doing so gives us the opportunity to tell our government what we wish to do. Voting gives us the opportunity to voice our opinions and to vote for what we believe is right. If we don’t agree with something we have the power of changing it. In the previous election, almost half of eligible voters didn’t vote, according to the United States Election Project. That’s 46.9% of voters – 231,556,622 voters that could’ve made a huge difference.
So why don’t people vote? Does one vote really make a difference? Many feel that their one vote will make no difference at all.
“If voting makes any difference they wouldn’t let us do it.” – Mark Twain
“Voting is not only our right, but it is also our power. When we vote, we take back our power to choose, to speak up, and to stand with those who support us and each other.”- Loung Ung
Not everyone has the opportunity to vote, to vote one must be a US citizen, over 17 and registered. However, the percentage of those that fulfill the requirements that actually vote is remarkably low. Unfortunately, even those who are registered don’t get the opportunity to vote not because they choose not too but because their voter registrations have been canceled. In 2017 nearly 670,000 were canceled. Millions of people who do have the opportunity to vote, choose not to. They have a lack of interest while those who don’t only fathom the opportunity. Why is that?
Here at Logan, there is a significant population of ineligible voters and undocumented students that would love to have a say in the direction of the country.
“I just don’t understand why those who have such a great opportunity to vote don’t,” said one student, who would like to remain anonymous for security reasons. They are given freedom and it’s their duty to do so.”
It’s actually harder for some groups of people to vote compared to other countries this is known as voter suppression. Voter suppression is a strategy used that tries to discourage certain groups of people and prevent them from voting. In 2016, voters who were eligible to vote but didn’t due to voter suppression were 47% Hispanic and 42% African American. Unfortunately, certain groups try to keep minorities from voting.
“So many countries and people don’t have the opportunity to vote, voting can be life-changing. If I had the opportunity I would vote every chance I get because it would be my duty. Why wouldn’t you? I don’t think people really understand the importance of voting,“ said the anonymous student.
So why is it that many individuals who are eligible to vote do not? One reason is that registering to vote is a process and does take work. Many argue that they intend to register but never get around to it. Some are just never asked to vote and don’t understand the importance. Others believe that their one vote has no importance and will do nothing so why bother.
“Bad officials are the ones elected by good citizens who do not vote.” – George Jean Nathan
The truth is your vote is very important, every single vote really does matter. An example of a very extraordinary situation regarding votes goes back to the 2000 Presidential Election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Gore had won the popular vote but since neither he or Bush had the required 270 electoral votes to win the presidency, the election was based on the results of Florida. Votes came in so close they had to mandate a recount and ultimately, the election was decided by the Supreme Court. This example really emphasizes the importance of voting and the importance one vote can make.
As he stated before, the anonymous Logan student finishes off with, “I suggest you go vote, especially if you have that opportunity. Others like me can only wish to.”
