We sometimes forget in light of all the drama and discussion over policy that it is our civic duty to vote.
Voting can be viewed as a waste of time, or opinions can be formed that one’s vote does not matter because elections are decided ahead of time.
In light of the make-up SGA elections and party primaries approaching, it is always nice to have a reminder about why we vote.
Against popular belief, the right to vote is not explicitly given to us in the Constitution. There are, however, five key amendments that refer to voting. These five amendments took over a hundred years to pass in order to end voting discrimination.
People rallied and came together to fight for your right to vote. Your right and your children’s rights are yours to protect.
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting,” as former president Franklin D. Roosevelt once said.
We need to be constantly reminded that we are a part of the process.
“The beauty of the democratic process set down by the writers of the constitution is that it allows everyone to have his or her voice heard. Voting is our way of affecting the laws of our country by deciding who makes those laws. This is something that all Americans should take advantage of; they should get informed, get registered, form educated opinions and go out and vote, in local, state and national elections.
Even small elections matter, especially because of the electoral college. As an intern, seeing the democratic process work for and against people every day, it’s proof that we need more informed, knowledgeable citizens out there voting for what’s is best for our state and our country,” says Bailey Hudlow, Legislative Intern to House Speaker Beth Harwell.
We have all heard the saying, “If you don’t vote you can’t complain,” but it’s true now more than ever. People are in office either because of your vote or your refusal to use the voice you have been given.
Whether it be SGA elections or Presidential elections, we all need to go and vote more than we do now. We have a tendency to refrain from making our voice heard when it actually matters. This is one of those times that it does matter. We are electing our leaders to lead and serve. They have come to power by constituents hands, and they will stay there until we say otherwise.
