November 2, 2024

Election Day is fast approaching, and for many of us, this will be our first time casting a vote.

I’ve heard mixed reactions from my peers about voting this year. Some are excited and feel a strong need to vote, while others think their vote doesn’t matter or that if one person skips voting, it won’t change anything. I’m here to tell you that your vote does matter.

The problem with saying, “If I don’t vote, it won’t change anything,” is that many people share this belief. If enough people think this way, it can affect the election outcome. When many votes are left out, it could create a gap between the candidates that might not exist if more people voted.

One vote can be a deciding factor. A report from the Center for American Progress shows how, throughout history, a small number of votes have often decided critical elections.

Rebecca Mears, co-author of the report, said, “Most Americans don’t realize how often just a handful of votes have made a dramatic difference in shaping history.” Think about local elections, such as for city mayor. When fewer people vote, the outcome is determined by a small group, making each vote extremely significant.

Make your voice heard. Voting expresses your opinions and beliefs, a privilege many people in other countries don’t have.

The outcome of elections more accurately reflects the public’s opinion when more people participate. You could even inspire friends and family to cast their votes, starting a chain reaction.

In the past, not everyone had the right to vote. Women, people of color, and those with disabilities, among others, were excluded.

Today, when we choose not to vote, it’s almost as if we’re dismissing the hard work of those who fought for these rights. By exercising your right to vote, you’re honoring the struggles of those who made it possible for all Americans to participate in elections.

One of the fundamental freedoms in American life is the ability to vote—something many countries around the world do not have. As American citizens, we’re fortunate to have this right, and it’s crucial to exercise it because your vote does matter!

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