Since the 2016 presidential election, Americans have been much more vocal about politics than ever before. We’ve seen it in protests, rallies, and marches. We read social media posts and hear information in the news. Some universities are offering courses. We have seen a huge wave of activism and resistance, and more people are contacting their local representatives to express their views. Everything has become more politicized.

Although 2018 is not a presidential election year, Midterms and Senate races are equally as important. These elections are another way citizens vote for issues such as increasing taxes, funding schools, affordable housing, public transportation, or hot-button issues like same-sex marriage and recreational marijuana.

Immigrants and relatives from other parts of the world may well have seen and experienced firsthand what it is like to be governed by leaders who were not elected by the people. They know what it is like to have laws and policies enacted that do not reflect the desires and needs of the people. Voting is an important way to back the issues you care about and the representatives you think can best effect the changes you want to see. It is your voice. If you do not use your vote, no one will hear you. Yet, an alarmingly low number of people actually turn out for these elections. In some areas, less than 5% of voters will actually vote; sometimes it is less than 2%.

Why people refrain from voting has always been puzzling to me. Many will argue that their vote doesn’t count. Some say that they don’t know enough about the issues. Others will say that none of the candidates are deserving, therefore it isn’t worth voting.

When you don’t vote, you are choosing to give up your most important right and responsibility as a citizen. You are choosing to be silent while other people make decisions for you. Every vote matters!

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