Every year around this time, there are plenty of political activists from various political parties and advocacy groups handing out fliers and trying to get you to vote for their candidate. They do this because, as a country that boasts about democratic freedom, we have an incredibly low voter turn-out rate. But forget the various political parties and issues for a second and think about the very real reasons why voting is important, regardless of ideology.
- Choosing Not to be Politically Active Makes You a Hypocrite When You Complain about Politics
Regardless of your political beliefs, the constant arguing and polarization of the political parties is frustrating. Plenty of people complain about the state of American politics because you know what? We have a right to complain when our leaders are incapable of uniting to represent us. But complaining is pointless unless you’re willing to put your words into action and use the one tool that lets you help make decisions: vote.
- Choosing Not to Vote is Just Choosing to be Apathetic
When you say, “I don’t vote because my vote doesn’t matter,” all you’re doing is devaluing the vote of individuals. You’re right. If you don’t vote, nothing will ever change. But that’s exactly the point. If you want things to change, you have to be a part of changing it.
- People Fought for Our Right to Vote, and Not Everyone Has the Right
Americans love to boast about democracy, independence, and freedom because those are the principles on which our country was created. Choosing not to vote devalues all of the principles and every person who fought for freedom and for your right to vote. There are plenty of people in the world who have absolutely no rights, so exercising your right is simply a sign of respect.
- Politics Impact Your Life Whether You Believe It or Not
There is a history of oppression in every society and government. Changing laws are crucial to changing oppression and discrimination. Government affects your education, your home, your family, and your rights as an individual.
- It Literally Takes 10 Minutes
Seriously. Just drive or walk to the voting center for your precinct, spend five minutes marking the form, and boom: You’ve fulfilled your civic duty.
- You’re Voting for All of the People, Places, and Things That Don’t Have Voices or Voting Rights
Your children don’t have the right to vote, but there are plenty of government and political entities that affect them. Your properties don’t have the right to vote, but actions in the government affect your property values and taxes. Your pets can’t vote, but without dog fighting and animal cruelty laws, they would be in constant danger.
