Your Vote Matters

Election season is picking up steam and now is the time to get involved. I know what you’re thinking, “It’s too many people running right now, I’ll just wait ’til it’s down to a few.” I feel you. This is typically what I would do too. The problem with that is by the time we start to pay attention to the few, it can be like literally mulling through the leftovers nobody wants. I think we all should have learned a viable lesson from the last presidential election. You can’t put your faith in other people. That mindset of “there is no way he/she will make it far” shouldn’t exist anymore. The biggest threat to this two party system is people thinking beyond the two parties. Of course it’s unconventional. But is the conventional any better? Most of us were met with the challenge of voting for one of two evils. This choice led to many not voting. We can’t make that mistake again and that is why we must get involved now.

What does getting involved entail? It’s simple. Just educate yourself about the candidates. Social media has made it so much more simpler to get information and stay up date. You don’t have to watch news outlets for 24/7 trying to keep track. Pay attention to your interest. What is it that means the most to you? Candidates have Facebook and Twitter too; follow them. Debates are also picking up and are a good way to learn what these candidates think and feel. But I also think debates are sometimes more theatrical than educational. As redundant as it is, the point is simple; you decide. And you should decide. People can make change we just have to stop being so divided and do this together.

I know the system is damaged. As the recent Supreme Court decision on not getting involved in gerrymandering proves. The fact that these political parties are allowed to blatantly restructure District lines for political gain is unreal. Isn’t this, in essence, rigging congressional elections? Then those same gerrymandering techniques effects the presidential election where now you are talking about rigging the electoral college (which is another problem). How is this constitutional?

It’s these reasons why we have to do our part, to not just stay educated about these things, but understand where we need to go and what we need to do to counteract them. You may find that none of these candidates are great choices. If you find that none really share the same values or you can’t agree on many of the important issues, keep looking. There is more to life than Republicans and Democrats. Sadly, I’ve heard a lot of high profile figures sway people away from considering Independent parties. Saying that it’s a waste of a vote and is as bad as not voting. I say it is your vote and you do with it as you may; just educate yourself. If you are voting for someone who shares your ideals and you believe they are the best person to represent you, then no one can tell you, you’re throwing away a vote.