Four Reasons You Should Vote in the Presidential Election

 On November 8th,  American voters will have the honor and privilege of casting their votes in one of the most important elections in recent history. Unfortunately, despite the high stakes, voter apathy and dissatisfaction with the candidates will undoubtedly result in a shocking number of uncast votes.

As an educational non-profit, we do not endorse any candidate or party, but we encourage every American to exercise their rights and go vote.  To those who are considering staying home on Election Day, I would like to offer four reasons why you should re-think your plans.

1. If you do not vote, you give others the power to make decisions for you

Maybe you plan to abstain from voting because you do not fully support any of the candidates for president. While it is certainly acceptable to have reservations, come November, one of the candidates will be voted into office. And with this honor comes the right to promote a political platform that may very well conflict with your personal views and beliefs. The next man or woman to become president will wield significant influence over the future make-up of the Supreme Court, the fate of the U.S. military, and the outcome of numerous social issues debates. If you do not vote, you give others more power over the future of America.

2. Failing to vote gives a small portion of Americans great power over the majority

Nearly 30 percent of eligible citizens are not registered to vote. Among the registered, only 60 percent actually make it to the polls. If we do the math, we find that less than half of Americans vote on issues that impact the nation in its entirety. When you neglect elections, you ensure that minority issues and preferences carry more weight than those of importance to the nation as a whole.

3.  Voting is a privilege, don’t squander it

In some parts of the world, people risk their lives for the basic right to vote. American women have been enfranchised for less than 100 years. African Americans were forced to fight for decades to lift Jim Crow restrictions to full enfranchisement in this country. It is easy to take our rights for granted. However, there is no excuse for failing to exercise your right to influence the direction of government.

4. Silence implies consent

If you fail to vote, you forfeit your right to complain. Period.

The election is just weeks away, and Americans have the awesome responsibility of choosing the individual to lead this nation.We all have a civic duty to show up on Election Day and make our voices heard.

While this election is coming to a close, it’s never too early to think about the next one. If you’re disappointed with the candidates on the ballot, maybe it’s time to consider how you can affect your choices. That could mean volunteering for campaigns, but also running for office yourself. Take our free course to find out if running for office is right for you and explore the valuable courses we’ve created to help you win.