Trenton: I definitely consider it more of a civic duty than anything. I know truthfully that my singular vote won’t affect which way Tennessee goes in the presidential election, but when it comes to state and local elections, I like having some skin in the game. Voting to me shows you actually care about issues; you’re not just talk, you’re actually willing to participate in the political process. After following the presidential elections for eight years and local/state elections for the past four years, it was incredibly satisfying to not be relegated to the sidelines this time. Being a political science major and learning the ins and outs of elections didn’t hurt either.
Bethany: I have always been a person who thinks that if you can vote, then go out and vote. America is one of the few countries in the world where if you are of age then anyone who is a citizen can vote. Women fought for years to get the vote, and we got it; people of color fought for the right to vote, and they got it. Americans have fought for the right to vote, and we have a duty to use our voice.
Mekenzie: Voting is a responsibility I’ve given myself. There’s a lot of change I’d like to see happen, and because I care about the well-being of the people around me, I use my voice by voting!
Chloe: I vote because women have not always had the right to. It is important to me to use my voice and cast my vote because of all the hard work women before me put in for this right. This is something my mother taught me from a very young age.
JJ: I vote for the ones who can’t. I vote because my ancestors fought for this hardship to give me and many others the privilege to do so.
Sarah: Voting is important to me because it’s a way for your voice to be heard. It’s a chance for our citizens to have a say in who represents them.
Tamera: I vote because my ancestors fought for my right to vote!
Ashlyn: I vote because it is my right and even though I can’t personally make a difference in the country, I want to have a say on who will be making some of the biggest differences in our country.
Chyler: I voted because I am grateful for how hard people fought to secure my right to vote and I believe it’s important to put that right to use. I wanted to make sure, no matter the outcome, my voice was heard.
Adrianna: I voted because I like my voice and opinion to be heard, big or small. Women rights were also fought hardly for so, I will use them to my advances!
